^^ 


<^^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


^O 
^A^ 


1.0    Si 


1.1 


1.25 


2.8 


2.5 
2.2 


1^  u^ 
1.4    il.6 


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>>. 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions 


Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


1980 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibiiographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checiced  below. 


D 


D 


v 


n 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I     I   Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagde 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restt:ur6e  et/ou  pellicul6e 


□   Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  init  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  biacit)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


□   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serrde  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  int6rieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte. 
mais.  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  fiimdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl6mentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  AtA  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  methods  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


r~~1   Coloured  pages/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaur6es  et/ou  pellicul6es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  f  oxe( 
Pages  dicolories,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachdes 

Showthrough> 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  in6gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  matdriel  suppldmentaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


I  I  Pages  damaged/ 

I  I  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

I  I  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I  I  Pages  detached/ 

I  I  Showthrough/ 

I  I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I  I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I  I  Only  edition  available/ 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  M  fiimdes  d  nouveau  de  fa^on  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


0 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checited  below/ 

Ce  document  est  f  ilmA  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

s/ 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


itails 
I  du 
odifier 
'  une 
mage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Ralph  Pickard  Bell  Library 
Mount  Allison  University 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specif ib^tions. 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grflce  A  la 
g6nArosit6  de: 

Ralph  Pickard  Bell  Library 
Mount  Allison  University 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettetd  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  pre  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimis  sont  filmis  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmis  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  ^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — »>  signifie  "A  SUiVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtrs 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seui  cliche,  il  est  filmi  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supirieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  nicessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


Brrata 
to 


pel  u  re. 
>n  A 


n 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

6 

6 

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COIT  CORRESPONDENCE: 


OK,    ' 


rip  k  |fw 


BT 


THE    COIT  EA.MILY. 


WORCESTER : 

PRINTED     BY     CHAS.     HAMILTON, 

PALLADIUM     OFFICE. 

1871. 


■♦^JT^iJi^^ft- 


THE    COMMITTEE 


WOULD    MOST   RESPECTFULLY   DEDICATE   THIS   VOLUME 


TO 


CAPTAIN  S.  H.  PIKE, 


THE  NOBLE  COMMANDER  OF  THE  STEAMER 


"  JTew  ^Tunswich," 


--«s-^'f»r^8ifiist.<ft- 


mmt 


PREFACE. 


'Hf^^ 


,IIE  first  Coit  Excursion  was  made  during  tlie  summer 
of  1868,  by  a  party  of  gentlemen  and  ladies  from  Wor- 
cester, in  a  steamer  chartered  of  Capt.  W.  W.  Coit, 
of  Norwicli,  Ct.,  and  bearin;^  liis  name.  Tlie  party  visited  New- 
port, New  Bedford,  Ed.i,^1rto\\  n  and  other  New  England  towns. 
An  account  of  the  trip  is  preserved  in  a  little  volume  entitled 
''  By  Sea  and  Land." 

The  second  Excursion,  made  in  18G9,  included  among  other 
points  of  interest.  New  York  City  and  the  Hudson  River.  The 
trip  lasted  eight  days  and  the  steamer  employed  was  the  City  of 
New  London.  The  story  is  told  in  a  book  entitled  "The  River 
and  the  Sound."  The  Excursion  of  1870  is  described  in  the 
present  volume. 

In  weaving  into  history  the  scenes  and  events  of  our  late  ex- 
cursion to  the  East,  it  was  our  aim  to  do  the  work  faithfully,  and 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  meet  the  approval  of  the  Coit  Family. 
We  endeavored  to  pluck  the  fairest  flowers  in  the  wide  field  be- 
fore us,  trusting  they  might  prove  those  things  of  beauty  which 
are  "  a  joy  forever."  If  the  contents  of  these  pages  find  an 
echo  in  your  hearts  we  shall  be  satisfled.  We  feel  sure  at  least 
that  as  a  memorial  of  the  "  Coit  Excursion  "  of  1870,  this  little 
Tolume  will  suggest  pleasant  memories  to  all  who  participated 

in  the  trip.    The  experiences  of  those  bright  days  of  July  and 

1* 


▼I  PREFACE. 

Au|fU8t  will  be  ever  fresh  and  fragrant.  Who  of  us  can  ever 
forget  the  grand  old  steamer  New  Brunswick,  her  noble  com- 
mander, her  manly  officers,  and  her  genial  crew?  Who  can 
forget  the  cities  by  the  sea  that  gave  us  so  cordial  greeting ; 
the  coast  of  Maine,  with  its  grand  island  scenery ;  the  Kenne- 
bec, the  Penobscot,  and  the  St.  John— beautiful  trio  of  rivers ;  < 
the  Bay  of  Fundy  on  which  we  tossed,  and  our  first  sunrise  on 
the  blue  Atlantic?  Who  can  forget  those  hour?  of  setting  day 
and  early  eve,  devoted  to  social  converse,  speeches,  readings, 
music  and  songs  of  praise?  Who  can  forget  the  warm  words  of 
welcome  at  the  hour  of  meeting,  or  the  yet  warmer  expressions 
of  farewell  at  the  hour  of  parting?  More  than  all,  who  will 
forget  that  Kind  Father,  whose  footprints  are  upon  the  sea  and 
the  land  alike,  whose  tender  care  preserved  each  life,  ..iid  re- 
restored  us  all  in  safety  to  the  loved  ones  at  home? 

* <  All  is  this  ruldd  by  the  Sight  above.'' 


♦ 


OFFICERS  OF  STEAMER. 


1 


CAPTAIN  : 

SIMON  H.  PIKE,  LuBEc,  Me. 

PILOT  : 

LEONARD  g.  GRANT,  Rockland,  Me. 

CHIEF   ENOIXBER  : 

THOMAS  MERRILL,  Chelsea,  Mass. 

SECOND   ENGINEER : 

JAMES  H.  MERRITT,  Portland,  Me. 

CHIEF    MATE  : 

JOHN  THOMPSON,  Portland,  Mb. 

SECOND   MATE  : 

JAMES  THOMPSON,  Eastport,  Me. 


STEWARD  : 

WILLIAM  E.  LEONARD,  Braintree,  Mass. 


MEMBERS  OF  THE  BAND. 


LEADER : 

T.    C.    RICHARDSON 

JOHN   RIEDL, 

VVM.    H.    HEYWOOD, 

T.    F.    GOODWIN, 

G.    H.    SMITH, 

A.    A.    BICKNELL, 

C.    A.    PARKER, 

J.    VVOODHEAD, 

F.    L.    BARNARD, 

H.    W.    BATrHELLER, 

W.    H.    BATCHELLER, 

OTIS    A.    GATES, 

A.    P.    PRENTICE, 

ED  WD.    HARTWELL, 

H.  A.    LIBBY. 


I 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  PARTY. 


1 


PRESIDENT  : 

GEORGE  R.  PECKHAM. 

VICE  president: 
O.  P.  MAYNARD. 

SECRETARY  : 

WM.  MECORNEY, 

TREASURER : 

GEO.   W.  WHEELER. 

STEWARDS  : 

HENRY  GLAZIER, 
THOMAS  W.  DAVIS. 

CHAPLAIN  : 

Rev.  J.  V.  OSTERHOUT. 

surgeons  : 

Dr.  E.  SCHOFIELD, 
Dr.  GEO.  F.  FORBES. 


■' 


NAMES  OF  THE  PARTY. 


^ 


E.  E.  ABBOTT, 
Mrs.  E.  E.   ABBOTT. 
SAMUEL  ALDBICH, 
Mrs.  SAMUEL  ALDRICH, 
LEWIS  ARMSBY, 
HENRY  P.  ARMSBY, 
J.  M.  ALDRICII, 
Mrs.  J.  M.  ALDRICH, 
GEORGE  H.  ANDREWS, 
FRANK  A.  ATHERTON, 
JENNIE  U.  ALEXANDER, 
Rev.  ASA  BULLARD, 
GEORGE  E.  BARTON, 
JOHN  S.  BRIGHAM, 
SARAH  M.  BRIGHAM, 
Miss  E.  C.  BOYDEN, 
N.  A.  BOYNTON, 
FRANCES  A.  BATCHELOR, 
JAMES  BROADBENT, 
HANNAH  BROADBENT, 
JONAS  B.  BRIGHAM, 
MARY  U.  BANCROFT, 
KLIAS  T   BEMIS, 
ELLEN  L.  BEMIS, 


Worcester. 
Webster. 

Millbury. 

(( 

Worcester. 

I. 

Boston. 
Worcester. 
Brookfleld. 

Boston. 
Worcester. 

44 

Holdea. 

New  York. 

Whitinsville. 

Worcester. 

44 

Westborou^h, 
Worcester. 

44 
44 


*■ 


12 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


E.  G.  BOYNTON, 

J.  R.  BOYCE, 

GEORGE  A.  BOSWELL, 

Mrs.  D.  a.  BUSH, 

Mrs.  M.  E.  BATCHELLOR, 

LEWIS  F.  BALL, 

G.  D.  BATES, 

M.  A.  BARTLETT, 

ADIN  F.  BAKER, 

E.  W.  CARTER. 

Mrs.  E.  W.  CARl'ER, 

JOTHAM  CARPENTER. 

Mrs.  a.  a.  CARPENTER, 

PERRY  J.  CARPENTER, 

Miss  HATTIE  M.  COOLIDGE, 

S.  N.  CROSBY, 
Mrs.  M.  W.  CHAMBERLAIN, 
CARRIE  M.  CHAMBERLAIN, 
S.  B.  CORBIN, 
MILTON  T.  CARTER. 
JOSIAH  CUMMINGS. 
LYDIA  A.  CUMMINGS, 
E.  JOSIAH  CUMMINGS, 
Mrs.  R.  B.  CHAMBERLIN, 
SAMUEL  G.  CONGDON, 
Mrs.  C.  L.  CONGDON, 
JOSHUA  M.  GUSHING, 
S.  J.  CHAMBERLIN, 
Mrs.  S  E.  CHAMBERLIN, 
WM.  F.  CHASE, 
SALEM  COPELAND, 


Worce.ster. 

Springfield. 
Worcester. 

Webster. 

W^orcester. 

Westminster. 

Worcester. 

Shrewsbury. 


Brook  line. 

Boston. 

Worcester. 

Springfield. 

u 
(( 

Worcester. 

Boston. 
Worcester. 

Boston. 
Worcester 


I 


f 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCR. 


13 


FRED.  CIIAMBERLIN, 

ADDIE  F.  COOK, 

S.  E.  COMBS, 

CIIAKI.ES   VV.  CHAMIJERIJX, 

Mrs.  E.  L.  CIIAMBERLIX, 

IIEXRY  COOLIDGE, 

Mrs.  ELLEX  E.  COOLIDGE, 

EDDIE  H.  COOLIDGE, 

L.  B.  CARR, 

IIEXRY   A.   COOK. 

ELISHA  CIIAFFIX. 

Mrs.  SARAH  A.  CIIAFFIN, 

AUSTIX  CUTLER, 

S.  A.  CARR, 

P.  W.  DUDLEY, 

HERBERT  H.  DUDLEY, 
ABNER  H.  DAVIS, 
F.  A.  DAVIS, 
PERRY^  DEAN, 
A.  H.  DAVIS, 
SILAS  DIXSMORE, 
EMMA  R.  DINSMORE, 
JOSEPH  L.  DAVIS, 
Mrs  J.  L.  DAVIS, 
PARKMAN  T.  DEXNY, 
THOMAS  VV.  DAVIS, 
EDWIN  M.  DODD, 

DODD, 

P.  DIGGEN, 
CHARLES  G.  EARLE,. 
Mrs.  L.  M.  EARLE, 


Worcester. 


Sterliiifr. 

u 

Whitinsville. 
(. 

Worcester. 

Spriiiirfleld, 
Whitinsville. 

Worcester. 

Norwich,  Conn. 

Webster. 

Worcester. 
t« 

<» 

Leicester. 

Boston. 

Worcester. 
kk 

4( 
t« 


14 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


Mrs.  L.  L.  ESTEN, 

Webster. 

Mrs.  MARIA  M.  EDDY, 

Worcester. 

EMMA  S.  EASTMAN, 

(• 

JAMES  N.  ENGLEY, 

i\ 

Mrs.  J.  M.  FALES, 

West  Brooklield. 

0.  D.  FORBES, 

Newton. 

MRS.  M.  H.  FAY. 

Worcester. 

Mrs.  MAIIY  A.  FLAGG, 

«( 

GEOIJGE  F.  FORBES,  M.D.. 

West  Brookfleld. 

Mrs.  M.  a.  FORBES, 

>i 

Mrs.  F.  M.  FOKBE&. 

•k 

SANFORD  FISKE, 

Webster. 

MOSES  H.  FAY, 

Worcester. 

Mrs.  CLARA  F.  FAY. 

•k 

THEODOKE  S.  FULLER, 

ki 

L.  A.  FOSTER, 

Portland,  Me. 

CHARLES  L.  FAY, 

Marlboron^h. 

A  BR  AM  FAY, 

Northborou^'^h. 

Mrs.  ABIGAIL  FAY^ 

k. 

Miss  REBECCA  R.  FAY, 

Worcester. 

Mrs.  ABBIE  P.  FLETCHER, 

»♦ 

Miss  KATIE  E.  GATES, 

M 

JAMES  GREEN, 

tt 

M   M.  GARFIELD, 

*' 

Mrs.  L.  M.  GARFIELD, 

U 

Mrs.  M.  W.  GERALDS,  M.D., 

ik 

WM.  A.  GREENE, 

Shrewsbury. 

Miss  NELLIE  H.  GREENE, 

t( 

Mrs.  JOHN  GREEN, 

Worcester. 

THOMAS  N.  GATES, 

Westborough. 

Mrs.  LIZZIE  A.  GATES, 

i( 

CO  IT   COURESl'ONDENCE. 


15 


IIELEX  M.  GATES. 

CIIAS.  GOODWIN, 

EDWAKD  GRIFFITH, 

IIENIIV  (GLAZIER. 

Mrs.  M.  II.  GLAZIER. 

EMERY  W.  GODDARD, 

CLEMENT  GAMMELL. 

GIDEON  HARRIS 

Mi{s.  SOPHIA  R.  HARRIS, 

N.  C.  HOWE, 

Mus.  N.  C.  HOWE. 

Mhs.  nancy  HARRINGTON. 
J.  W.  HOWE, 

L.  N.  HOLTON, 

S.  F.  HOLTOX, 
AARON  M.  HILL. 
Mrs.  JOHN  HUNT. 
Miss  NELLIE  M.  HUNT. 
Mrs.  R.  D.  STEVENS, 
E.  W.  HUBBARD. 
MARY  C.  HENRY. 
DWIGHT  HYDE, 
Mrs.  D.  HYDE. 
CHARLES  R.  HISSRICK, 
AUG.  G.  HILL, 
GEO.  H.  HOWARD. 
L.  M.  HARRIS. 
ARMILLA  A.  HARRIS. 
H.  F.  HARRIS. 
MAY  F.  HARRIS. 
EMMA  A.  HARRIS. 


Worce.«!ter. 

u 

Boston. 
Worcester. 

Webster. 
West  Boylston. 

Worcester. 

It 

(• 
It 

*i 
(( 

n 
(( 

East  Donrrlas. 
Vernon,  Vt. 


it 


(i 


Westboron^h. 
Brookfiekl. 

St.  Louis.  Mo. 

Boston. 

VVest  Brooklield. 

Oakdale. 

tk 

(t 
i, 
it 


\ 


1« 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


CHARLES  S.  HENRY, 
JOHX  HOMAN, 
JOHN  HILLARD, 
Mrs.  JOHN  HH.LARD. 
MATTHEW  B.  HERSEV. 
ABBIE  T.  HARLOW. 
HERBERT  O.  HOUGHTON, 
ELMER  P.  HOWE. 
L.  W.   HAWARTH, 
JA  x£S  HUMPHREY, 
ALliERT  HOBBS, 
ELU^HALET  HOLBROOK, 
JOEL  HOWE. 
C.  CENTER  JOHNSON, 
EMn.Y  A.  JOHNSON, 
ABNER  KELLEY, 
SUSAN  M.  KELLEY, 
HENRY  E.  KNAPP, 
JOSEPH  F.  KNOWLTON, 
SARAH    E.    KNOWLTON, 

HERBERT  J.  KNOWLTON, 

WM.  T.  KIMBALL, 

W.   A    KIMBALL. 

THOMAS  S    KINSMAN, 

WM.  II.  KEXDALL. 

H.  J.  KNOWLTON. 

WM.  LUCAS. 

H.  H.  LAMSON, 

Mus.  H.  H.  LAMSON, 

Master  LOUIS  E.  B.  LAMSON, 

CHARLES  D.  LARNED, 

THOMAS  M.  LARNED, 


Wcstborouffh. 
Worcester. 

Marlboroiijyh. 

Worcester. 
tt 

t( 

Webster. 

North  Brookfield. 

Worcester. 

West  Boylston. 

Quincy. 

Worcester- 


Shrewsbury. 


Lawrence. 

Sprhiocfleld. 

East  Doii*rlas. 

Worcester. 

hi 
♦  * 

Webster. 


r 


COIT   COHIIESI'OXDENCE. 


17 


THOMAS  KEEFE. 
IIEN*RY  C.  LIXDLEV, 
FERDINAND  P.  LAKKIN, 
II.  II.  LINCOLN, 
II.  A.  LIBBY, 
E.  L.  LOVELL, 
OTIS  L.  3IANSON, 
Mrs.  HARRIET  E.  MANSON, 
Mrs.  M.  D.  MASCROFT, 
CHARLES   W.   MASCROFT, 
FRANK  B.  MERL\M, 
Mrs.  F.  B.  MERIAM, 
VVM.  MECORXEY, 
CHARLES  MARVIN, 
O.  P.  3IAYNARD. 
Mrs.  M.  L.  MAYNARD, 
Mrs.  BETSEY  MIDGLY, 
JOSEPH  MANNING, 
GEORGE  H.  MELLOR, 
R.  E.  MCNEIL, 
SYBIL  MOORE, 
ARTEMAS  MERRIAM, 
MARY  A.  MIRICK, 
F.  A.  NEWTON, 
Mrs.  F.  a.  NEWTON, 
Rev.  J.  V.  OSTERHOUT, 
EMMA  J.  PARKER, 
GEORGE  R.  PECKHAM, 
Mrs.  G.  R.  PECKHAM, 
Master  GEO.  F.  PECKHAM, 
LEVI  PEIRCE, 


Webster. 

Dudley. 

Worcester. 

Bo.ston. 

Worcester. 
t. 

i( 

Ik 

Northbri(]<?e. 
.< 

Nashua,  N.  H. 
Worcester. 

kh 

West  Brooktleld, 
t>  kt 

Lowell. 

Marlborouii^h. 

Webster. 
(( 

Hoi  den. 

Westminster. 

Oxford, 

Worcester. 
«( 

Webster. 

Worcester. 
(( 

(» 

it 


18 


COIT   COUUESI'ONDENCE. 


ALMIKA  PEIRCE. 

S Y  LVESTEK  PKESCOT T. 

Mrs.  TKYPIIENA  B.  PKESCOTT, 

CHARLES  PALMER, 

C.  L.  PROUTY. 

MARY  K.  PROUTY, 

DEXTER  IL  PERRY, 

C.  OTIS  PARKER, 

HENRY  F.  POND, 

F.  F.  PHELPS, 

RENA  J.  PETRIE. 

CHARLES  E.  PARKER, 

ELIZA  E.   PARKER, 

FRANK  PERKINS, 

A.  P.   PRENTISS, 

Mrs.  D.  F.  PARKER, 

ANSON  RICE, 

Mrs.  L.  H.  RUSSELL, 

JOHN  RICHARDS, 

Miss  HATTIE  E.  RICHARDS, 

EDWARD  J.  RUSSELL, 

Mrs.  LUCENIA  RUSSELL, 

HENRY  W.  REED, 

Mrs.  GEO.  H.  RAY^MOND, 

JONAS  RICE, 

WILLIAM  A.  RICE, 

THOMAS  B.  ROBINSON, 

SUSAN  B.  ROBINSON, 

HENRY  W.  ROBINSON. 

C.  A.  SAWIN, 

THOMAS  STOTT, 

LEAH  STOTT, 


Worcester. 
Rutland. 

Worcester. 

n 

Westborough. 
»k 

Worcester. 

Sprinjjfleld. 
Worcester. 

Northborough. 

Worcester. 

«i 

Westborough. 

(» 

Boston. 

Worcester. 

*( 

a 

Hartford,  €!onn. 
Wtwcester. 


I 


COIT   COIIRESPONDENCE. 

JENNIE  STOTT, 

Miss  MARTHA  H.  SHUMWAY, 

ELIZABETH  S.  SCOTT, 

FRANK  STONE, 

TIMOTHY  S.  STONE, 

JOHN  P.  STOCKWELL, 

Mus.  FRANCES  L.  STOCKWELL, 

AHBIE  M.  STONE, 

EDWIN  B.  SMITH, 

P.  SWALLOW, 

THOMAS  F.  SMITH, 

CHARLES  C.  SIBLEY, 

HENRY  A.  STREETER, 

Mks.  HENRY  A.  STREETER, 

E.  SCHOFIELD.  M.D., 

Mks.  SARAH  SCHOFIELD, 


19 


Worcester. 

Web.-ter. 

Worcester. 

Marlboroii<rh. 

Westtield. 

Worcester. 
it 

West  boron  «!fh. 

Worcester. 
t« 

»i 


E.  SPURR,  ' 
H.  M.   SPURR, 

N.  J.  SPURR, 

F.  R.  SPURR, 
S.  D.  SPURR, 
GEO.  L.  STOCKING, 
NETTIE  E.  SPALDING, 
HENRY  A.  STONE, 
Mrs.  R.  C.  stone, 
HENRY  O.  SAWYER, 
DANA  E.  SARGENT, 
C.  A.  SMITH, 
AUGUSTUS  STONE, 
WM.  S.  SARGENT. 
GEORGE  E.  SAUNDERS, 
Mrs.  LUCY  S.  TEMPLE, 


Brooklyn.  N.  Y. 
Worcester. 

Si 

H 

n 

Boston. 

Grosvenor  Dale,  Conn. 

Worcester. 

West  B03  Iston. 

Ne\vt0!i. 

Webster. 

Worcester  ■ 

Newton. 

Cambridge. 

Northborough. 


20 


rOIT   CORUESrONDENCK. 


CHARLES  W.  UXDEKIIILL, 

Miis.  C.  B.  WHITING, 

II AUK Y  A.  WILLAHD, 

DUANE  B.  WILLIAMS, 

GEORGE  W.  WHEELER, 

Mrs.  GEO.  W.  WHEELER, 

MiS8  MARY  G.  B.  WHEELER, 

WASHINGTON  WHITNEY, 

Mus.  WASHINGTON  WHITNEY, 

ISAIAH  WHITE, 

FLORA  A.  D.  WEST, 

WILLARD  WARD, 

NELLY  A.  WHEELOCK, 

FRANK  J.  WARREN, 

JAMES  J.  WARREN, 

Mus.  J.  J.  WARREN, 

FANNIE  E.  WARREN, 

ELLEN   E.  WARREN, 

MARY  W.  WARREN, 

JOHN  M.  WARREN, 

C.  N.  WALKER, 

LIZZIE  L.  WALKER, 

LUTHERIA  S.  WILLIAMS, 

F.  EDWIN  WILLIAMS. 

Mrs.  J.  A.  WEST, 

HATTIE  N.  WRIGHT, 

Miss  IDA  B.  WARD, 

M.  J.  WOODHEAD, 

Mrs.  M.  J.  WOODHEAD, 

AMOS  M.  WHEELOCK, 

Mrs.  a.  M.  WHEELOCK, 


Winchester. 

North  BrookHehl. 

Worcester. 
li 

tk 

Whicheiidon. 

Qiiliicy. 
Woreester. 

u 

(k 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
BrinifteUl. 

ki 
Ik 
ki 

kk 

Worcester. 

u 

kk 


Sprinj^tleld. 
Worcester. 

(( 
ki 
ik 


. 


I 


CliUISE  OF  THE  COITS. 


Originally  publislii'd  In  th«  Worcester  Kvoning  Qa/ette, 


Portland  Hahbor,  July  27, 1870. 

HE  Coits  have  just  waved  and  slioutod  adieus  to 
^  their  Portland  f)ien<l«,  and  are  ot!'  for  Bath. 
Tlie  scene  is  ins[)iriting — u  faultless  sky  above, 
the  air  astir  with  a  tonic  breeze,  the  sunshine  on  the  water 
glorious.  I  take  oif  my  unwilling  eyes  from  the  ever- 
shifting  beauty  of  the  sea  and  shore,  shut  my  unwilling 
ears  to  the  sense  and  i)ossibly  nonsense  of  gleeful  voices, 
and  force  my  unwilling  fingers  into  this  epistolary  service. 
Considering  the  magnitude  of  the  excursion  party,  the 
many  and  complicate<l  arrangements  to  be  made,  too  much 
praise  cannot  be  accorded  to  the  Coit  Committee  for  the 
facility  and  dispatch  with  whicli  they  have  adjusted  every- 
thing. Leaving  IJoston  at  12^  m.  we  were  at  Gloucester 
about  4  p.  M.  Meanwhile  the  state-rooms,  34  in  number, 
were  sold  l)y  auction  at  juices  ranging  from  $27  to  $50. 
It  was  short  work — "  going,  gone !"     Then,   because  300 


1 


22 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


people  could  not  conveniently — or,  at  least,  properly — sit 
down  to  dinner  in  about  150  stjats,  the  <>reat  company 
WiXH  bisected,  the  energeitc  steward,  ^Ir.  Gla/ier,  perforniiiiiif 
the  mournful  task  in  a  few  twinks  of  your  eve.  This 
surr/e-iGii\  operation  seeminii^  to  have  spoiled  nobody's 
appetite,  it  was  announced  as  one  of  the  Coit  regulations 
that  Division  No.  1  would  be  served  with -meals  first  on 
that  day,  on  the  next  Division  Xo.  2,  and  so  on  in  alternate 
measure  ;  that  is  to  say,  the  first  should  be  last  and  the 
last  should  be  first  to  the  end  of  the  chapter.  It  seemed  to 
have  occurred  to  the  managers  that  the  enter})rising  pur- 
chasers of  state-rooms  might  not  attempt  in  a  fit  of  social 
generosity  to  acconnnodate  the  whole  party  with  lodging, 
and  therefore,  dinner  intervening,  drawing  for  berths 
was  the  next  thing  in  order. 

Domestic  arrangements  perfected,  we  were  at  libei'ty  to 
do  Gloucester  until  11  o'clock,  the  time  of  starting  for 
Portland. 

I  wonder  if  anybody  except  myself  got  beyorid  the 
smell  of  fish.  It  certainly  is  not  a  <lifiicult  thing  to  do,  as  J 
found  by  a  five  minutes  ride  to  "  Little  Good  Harbor."  Let 
every  fagged-out  mortal  go  there  if  he  would  be  rejuve- 
nated, lie  will  find  the  sea  in  its  grandest  aspects,  a  fine 
beach  for  bathing,  no  dust,  the  ruggedest  rocks  to 
climb  and  prospect  from,  delightful  company,  and  the 
house  under  ]Mr.  Whitin<»'s  charge  almost  a  model  in  all  its 
a})pointments.     Nearly  a  year  ago  the  Gloucester  people 


COIT   COmiESrONDEXCE. 


23 


lost  by  fire  tlicir  new  C'itv  Hall.  It  is  evidence  of  ijood 
pluck  tliiit  they  are  rapi<lly  buildini^-  another  at  a  cost  of 
about  $100,000. 

The  passage  to  Portland  was  too  (piiet  to  gratify  any- 
body,  T    believe,  desirous    to  be   sea  sick.     For  mvself,  I 
awoke,  ujion  the  arrival  of  the  boat,  at    C^  a.  m.,  with   the 
consciousness  of  having  slei)t  well,  and  with  the  impres- 
sion, justified    l>y  appearances,    that  everybody  else    had 
done  the  same  thing.     It  was  decided  that  we  should  sail 
again  at  2  r.  m.     The  time  allotted  was  most  satisfactorily 
spent  in  walks  and  (h'ives  about  the  most  beautiful  of  our 
eastern  cities.     State  street  with  its  fine  old  mansions  and 
double  rows  of  lofty  elms,  the  beautiful  City  Ilall,  Long- 
fellow's home — a  Avell    preserved  three-storied  brick  buihi- 
ing    of    olden    fashion,    the    eastern    and    the    western 
Promenades    and    the    magnificent    harbor,    are    among 
the  pleasant  things  U)  be  remembered. 

One  can  hardly  realize  that  but  four  years  ago  one  third 
of  this  city  was  in  ashes.  Scarce  a  sign  of  the  disaster  is 
to  be  noticed,  exce])t  the  absence  of  shade  trees  where  the 
fire  swept  along.  The  new  buildings  are  finer  than  the 
old  ones,  giving  the  impression  to  the  visitor  that  the  city 
received  a  blessing  in  disguise.  It  is  not  so,  however.  To 
encourage  rebuilding,  directly  after  the  conflagration,  the 
city  loaned  money  on  easy  terms  to  all  who  would  eiect 
buildings.  In  the  expectation  of  liigh  rents,  which  has 
not  been  realized,  men  built  too  extravagantly  and  find 


y^^i^Bf^mim^r^^^mf^  1 1 


24 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


themselves  now  struggling  under  a  burden  of  debt  they 
can  not  i^ay.  Then  too,  Portland  has  depended  largely, 
in  years  past,  upon  the  West  India  trade,  which  has  been 
seriously  cut  down  by  the  late  political  disturbances  in 
Cuba.  Not  a  single  ship,  a  gentleman  tells  me,  is  owned 
in  Portland.  Notwithstanding  all  this  the  city  is  not 
drying  up,  or  going  to  seed.  It  is  very  gradually  growing 
m  i)ro.sperity  and  will  ever  continue  to  be  a  most  charming 
place  of  residence. 


A.    II.    D. 


Fox  ISLAND  TnOROUOHFABE,  July  28,  1870. 

Brisk  and  most  enjoyable  sail  of  three  hours 
^  brought  us  to  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec,  and 
to  the  city  of  Bath,  formerly  famous  for  ship-building. 
As  we  steamed  in  on  the  quiet  water,  the  Band  struck  up 
a  lively  air,  and  the  astonished  natives  thronged  the 
wharves  to  greet  us.  The  glory  of  Bath  has  departed. 
Only  two  or  three  small  vessels  are  upon  the  stocks.  Not 
many  years  ago  one  could  almost  throw  a  stone  from  one 
ship-yard  to  another  all  up  and  down  the  Kennebec,  or, 
as  it  has  been  more  strongly  expressed,  "they  used  to 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE . 


25 


to 


build  sliips  licro  by  the  mile  and  cut  tlieni  off  as  ordered." 
The  Maine-iacs  are  hoping,  I  am  told,  that  the  European 
war  may  create  sucli  a  demand  for  8hij)S  as  will  give  their 
ship-building  towns  a  new  lease  of  life.  ]3ut  even  now 
there  is  no  lack  of  demand  for  vessels  of  every  sort.  The 
State  has  treasures  of  good  lumber,  the  skill  and  the  will 
to  fashion  it  into  floating  [)alace8 ;  but  she  can  not  j)ay  the 
duty  u})on  iron  imported  from  England,  and  compete  with 
the  British  Provinces.  So  they,  for  the  present,  build  the 
ships.  Still  Bath  gives  abundant  evidence  that  money 
has  been  made  and  saved  there.  She  has  manv  fine 
[)rivate  residences,  and  some  very  creditable  public 
buildings,  among  which  may  be  mentioned  the  Sagadahoc 
House,  and  an  elegant  High  School  edifice. 

The  Coits  had  but  two  or  three  hours  of  daylight  in 
which  to  view  the  externals  of  the  city,  but  this  sufficed 
to  give  a  good  idea  of  it.  In  the  evening  the  attractions 
were  a  social  meeting  on  board  and  a  concert  ashore.  At 
the  meeting  Mr.  George  li.  Peckham  presided,  speeches 
were  made  by  Rev.  Asa  BuUard  of  "  Well-Spring'  fame, 
Mr.  Mecorney,  and  others  ;  the  piano  was  made  to 
discourse  "  most  eloquent  music  "  under  the  touch  of  fair 
fingers,  and  some  admirable  humorous  readings  were 
given  by  Mr.  Lincohi  of  East  Boston.  The  concert 
would  have  delighted  a  Worcester  audience.  Indeed  it 
had  that,  for  Columbian  Hall  held  a  Large  part  of  the 
excursionists.      The    performers    were    Miss    Sarah    W. 

8 


26 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


Barton,  tlie  (listingnished  sojn'nno,  of  Salem,  Mass.,  Mr. 
Carlyle  Petersilea,  pianist,  Mr.  Skinner,  ballad  singer  and 
conductor,  and  Mr.  C.  11.  McLellan,  barytone.  "  In  JNIay 
Time,"  an  Englisli  Ballad  sung  by  Miss  Barton  was 
rapturously  applauded  and  encored.  Later,  when  most 
of  us  were  ])acked  away,  like  so  many  herring  in  our 
berths,  the  Bath  Glee  Club  favored  us  with  a  stirriiiix 
serenade. 

Precisely  at  four  o'clock  r.  m.  the  cables  are  unloosed 
and  we  are  on  onv  way  direct  for  Eastport — distance  170 
miles.  It  is  thought  best  to  get  on  towards  St.  John 
as  fast  as  possible  while  the  weather  is  propitious.  Drop- 
ped stitches  can  be  taken  up  on  the  homeward  track. 
Going  by  day,  too,  we  are  able  to  take  whr^t  is  called 
"  the  inside  route,"  winding  along  through  the  most 
glorious  island  scenery.  When  I  began  this  letter — 
which  has  been  written  by  snatches  during  the  day — we 
had  just  passed  Owl's  Head,  a  rocky  promontory,  with  a 
lighthouse  at  its  extremity,  around  which  a  little  inland 
we  could  plainly  see  Rockland,  famous  for  lime.  A  little 
farther  on,  appear  the  Camden  Hills,  with  the  pretty 
village  of  Camden  in  the  foreground  nestled  at  the  water's 
edge.  But  it  is  impossible  to  desciibe  the  scenery  we  are 
passing ;  one  wants  to  photograph  it  all.  Everybody  is  in 
the  exclamatory  mood.  The  hurricane  deck,  with  the 
Band  in  front  and  in  full  blast,  is  covered  with  eager 
gazers  ;  so  is  the  promenade  deck,  and  every  outlook  has 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


27 


:i  lookor-out.  The  we.-ither  is  su[)erb  ;  the  waters  sj)arkle  ; 
every  inoineiit  reveals  soiDe  eliarming  cove  fringed  with 
boats,  or  grand  headland,  or  fisher's  cottage  romantically 
placed  The  scattered  inhabitants  plongh  only  the  sea. 
The  soil  is  unkind,  and  gives  birth  niainlv  to  stunted 
evergreens.  A  thousand  bewitching  suninier  resorts  flit 
past  us. 

Fox  Island  Throroughfare,  wiiere  I  began  these  notes, 
runs  along  for  several  miles  like  a  broad  river  ;  emero-in*^ 
from  which  we  iind  ourselves  anon  seemingly  in  the  centre 
of  a  great  lake,  for  the  far-otf  land  almost  encircles  us. 
Thus  the  scene  constantly  shifts. 

At  this  moment,  as  I  write,  we  are  directly  oi>i)osite 
Blount  Desert,  10  miles  from  JJath  and  live  hours  from 
Easti)ort.  A  fishing  smack  under  full  canvas  dips  her 
colors  as  she  shoots  by,  and  we  return  the  compliment 
with  a  vociferous  whistle.  Mount  De.sert  is  a  misnomer. 
The  original  name  given  by  the  first  French  settlers 
conveys  the  right  idea— J/oh^s  Deserts.  Thirteen  huLre, 
bahl,  mountain-heads  stand  close  togetlier  in  crescent 
order,  as  if  in  council.  As  many  lakes  of  fresh  water,  they 
say,  lurk  here  an<l  there  upon  the  island.  Right  ui)on  the 
crown  of  one  of  these  lioary  heads,  we  could  descry  "  The 
Sununer  Resort, "  a  rude  hotel,  and  imagined  the  party 
of  New  Yorkers — said  to  be  sto})ping  there — vainly  sM'ug- 
gling  to  hold  their  hats  on  while  taking  in  tlie  view  of 
fifty  miles  around.     "Mein  Gott  !  vere  ish  dervind!"  in 


wi.<f-»j»»;pipipw*^pipij(« 


' 


28 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


dignantly  exclaimed  tlie  Dutchman,  whose  cheeks  were 
ah-eacly  bursting,  wiien  urged  to  play  "louder,  louder!" 
It  must  be  up  there.  But  I  shall  have  more  to  say  of 
Mount  Desert  on  our  return,  if  we  touch  there  as  now 
proposed. 

We  shall  })resently  be  in  Eastport — at  least  before  dark. 
The  plan  now  is  to  spend  the  m<M-row  there  fishing.  Then 
hurrah  for  St.  John  ! 

It  Avould  delight  your  readers  to  look  in  upon  this  great 
meandering  family,  and  observe  how  pe  ^3ctly  the  arrange- 
ments secure  every  body's  comfort.  Do  you  want  the 
doctor  ?  State  room  near  the  gang  way — there's  the  sign 
— Dr.  Schofield.  The  barber?  In  the  gentlemen's  cabin, 
forward,  sir.  Look  at  this  placard  at  the  head  of  the 
tables : 


u 


MEAL    HOURS. 


Breakfast, 

Dinner, 

Suppei, 


7    A.    M. 

1  r.  M. 

6    1'.    M.' 


The  meals  are  served  jiromptly.  Fifteen  hired  waiters 
move  nimbly  about  with  hot  coifee  and  English  breakfast 
tea,  twice  a  day.  At  dinner,  cold  water ;  no  wine  ;  no 
beer.  Nobody  eats  till  the  cha[)lani  says  grace,  and  all 
is  orderly  as  a  dinner  at  the  Bay  State  House. 

Everybody  is  getting  accpiainted  with  everybo<;  •. 
Everybody  is  happy.  At  all  events,  if  anybody  has  the 
bad  taste  to  be  miserable  in  this  goodly  company,  with 


' 


iiia|lW|ii|jn.|iiMi<i 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


29 


tliese   siUTOuiulings,  and  tlie   present   anticipations,  tliere 
is  nothing  left  for  that  poor  moi'tal  but  a  plunge  over 
board. 


A.   II.   I). 


IM^ 


Eastpoht,  Me.,  Passamaquoddy  House,  July  2J),  1S70. 

HE  weather  seems  determined  to  acconnnodate  the 
Coit  Excursion;  for  to-day  it  is  a  little  cloudy, 
just  right  for  fishing.  A  more  jubilant  i)arty  than  ours 
never  landed  in  Eastport.  Our  coming  had  been  antici- 
pated. Crowds  of  men,  women  and  diildren  at  tlie 
wharves  and  in  boats  bade  us  welcome,  with  shoutin«-s 
and  waving  handkerchiefs.  The  Coits  responded  in 
gallant  style,  and  the  band  rang  out  liilariously.  The 
excitement  on  board  was  intense  ;  emotions  were  tem- 
pestuous and  irrepressible.  Tuesday  was  r/ood,  Wednesday 
was  better,  and  yesterday  best.  Superlatives  will  have 
to  be  coined  before  we  reach   St.  John. 

The  most  persistent  search  fails  to  discover  an  unhai>py 
Coit.  The  most  exquisite  ear  (letects  no  I'ar  in  our  m-eat 
household.  The  social  meeting,  held  in  the  saloon  last 
evening,  was  a  great  success.     Short  speeches,  spicy  anec- 


r 


80 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


dotes,  instruinentiil  and  vocal  music,  a  capital  reading  by 
Mr.  Lincohi,  a  variety  of  "  quips  and  cranks,"  the  wliole 
concluded  by  a  short  but  fervent  ])rayer  by  Ilev.  Asa 
Bullard  hushing  all  instantly  to  a  becoming  sobriety  of 
behavior,  made  up  the  progrannne.  It  was  ten  o'clock. 
A  ball  was  in  progress  at  Memorial  Hall.  A  serenade  was 
proposed  ;  Cai)tain  Pike,  a  splendid  specimen  of  a  man  and 
a  Coit  at  heart,  lead  the  way.  The  band  and  "two  hundred 
and  fifty  Coits  followed  in  a  long  and  silent  procession. 
Assembled  before  the  door,  and  waiting  for  a  pause  in  the 
festive  music  within,  the  leader,  Mr.  Richardson, 

"  With  a  gesture  of  command 
Waved  his  hand"— 

The  melody  leaped  upon  the  air.  There  was  a  sound 
of  flying  feet.  Up  went  windows  ;  out  came  heads.  The 
music  done,  clap  went  hands.  A  cordial  invitation  is 
extended  to  come  in.  Our  committee  decide  to  let  us 
trespass  for  a  half-hour.  So  we  go  quietly  in,  and  are 
most  .courteously-treated  guests. 

Memorial  Hall  is  a  fine  building  completed  last  May,  of 
which  the  city  is  justly  proud.  The  interior  spacious 
enough,  is  gas  lighted  from  above,  and  very  tastefully 
finished.  But  who  could  look  up,  except  to  rest  his  eyes 
from  the  dazzling  beauty  upon  the  floor !  I  think  those 
of  our  party  who  knew  previously  little  of  Eastport,  were 
surprised   to   witness   in   this   little   city   of   4,000  souls, 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


31 


situated   at  tlie    "jumping  oif   place,"   so  mueli   beauty, 
gniee   and   polish.     The   ladies'   toilettes   were   excpiisite 
and  in  great  variety.     White  sliijpers,  white  kids,  white 
waistcoats,  and  dress  coats  were  in  the  ascendant.     Our 
distinguished   bearing   may   be    supi)08ed    to  have  made 
ample   amends   for  any  infraction  of  etiquette  as  regards 
dress.     The  Coits  before  leaving  engaged  the  hall  for  a 
dance  to-night,  and  invited  our  genial  entertainers  to  be 
our  guests  in  turn.     I  think  we  shall  be  forgiven,  but  the 
truth  is,  that  when  we  returned  to  our  quarters  about  mid- 
night, the    most  of  us   were   throughly  intoxicated  with 
ardent    emotions.     We    slept   ourselves    sober,  however, 
before    morning.     Breakfast    relaxed    the   facial    nmscles 
again,    and   the  merry   twinkle  of  every  true    Coit's  eye 
said  as  plainly  as  the  imploring  words  of  Oliver  Twist— 
"More,  more." 


The  above  was  written  early  this  morning.  It  is  now 
past  noon.  For  the  first  time,  we  ai-e  obliged  to  adapt 
our  plans  to  the  weather.  We  were  to  start  on  a  grand 
fishing  frolic  at  eleven.  But  the  clouds  frowned  and 
frowned,  and  finding  us  still  heedless,  at  last  ''  came  down 
on  us."  We  yield  gracefully,  except  a  willful  few  who 
are  risking  the  rage  of  Jupiter  Phivius.  May  he  pity 
their  temerity,  and  disdain  to  launch  his  bolts ! 

On  boai'd  a  novel  scene  presents  itself;  that  is  to  say, 
the  books  look  like  it,  which  some  of  the  young  ladies  are 


IT 


32 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


readiniif.  Whist  and  eiutlire  i)!irtios  are  clustcM'ed  licro  and 
there.  An  occasional  couple  are  deep  in  checkers  or  not 
so  deep  in  backganunon ;  some  listen  wiiile  Philomela  or 
some  otlier  lady  sings  ;  and  yet  others  are  inditing  mes- 
sages of  love  and  recording  iin[»ressions  for  the  gratifi- 
cation of  dear  ones  at  liome.  Fortunate  in  havini'  had  a 
previous  acquaintance  with  this  region,  a  little  tramp  and 
cursory  look  about  town  yesterday  afternoon  enables  me 
to  note  most  of  the  changes  of  twelve  years.  P^astport  as 
seen  from  the  bay  is  a  pictures(]ue  town,  rising  abrujttly 
from  the  water,  and  protected  by  Fort  Sullivan,  which 
crowns  an  emhience  in  the  backm-ound.  Uncle  Sam's  Hag 
floats  there,  and  we  respect  the  symbol,  biit  can  not  hel}) 
pitying  the  fifty  soldiers,  who  have  nothing  to  do  but  go 
through  a  daily  drill  and  i)arade  for  $16  a  month.  No 
wonder  desertions  are  frequent.  It  is  only  a  mile  dii'ectly 
across  to  Campo  Bello.  A  stolen  boat,  or  perhai)8  a 
Byronic  swim  conducts  the  dripping  and  disgusted  hero 
safe  under  the  broad  skirts  of  Victoria.  Fort  Sullivan, 
named  for  Gen.  Sullivan,  dates  back  to  the  struggle  for 
indei)endence.  It  is  an  earthwork  in  good  state  of  pre 
servation  as  originally  constructed.  The  most  notable 
object  within  its  area  is  a  genuine  Block  House.  Its 
timbers  are  huge  and  hard  enough  to  defy  the  jaw-teeth 
of  Time  a  century  longer.  Its  figure  is  square,  and  the 
second  story  juts  out  like  beetling  eyebrows  on  every  side, 
somewhat  suggestive    of   an    elevated   hat    bathing   tub. 


COIT  COURESPONDENCE. 


33 


A  little  boy  of   our  j.arty  tli(Mi<rl,t   it   was  ji   heii-housc. 
Vom-  rejulers  may  be  aware  tliat  Eastport  is  an  island 
connecting  with  the  main  land  by  a  bridge    four    miles 
from  the  city.     It  was  captured  by  the  liritinli  in   1812, 
and  thougli  peace  was  declared  hy  the  treaty  of  Glient  in 
181.-),  owing  to  some  complications  reKi>ecting  l)omidarv, 
it   was  not  surrended   to    the   United    States  until  1818. 
The    Passamaquoddy    House   takes   its    designation  from 
the  Indian  name  of  the  bay  it  overlooks.     It  is  a  three- 
storied    wooden    structure    with    a  ^Mansard    roof,   (piite 
imposing    in    aj.pearance,    containing    80    guest    rooms, 
haiKlsomely  fitted  up  and  provided  with  every  convenience 
of  a  first  class  liotel.     The  clean,  cool  looking,  uncarpcted, 
hard  pine  Hoors  are  refreshing  to  look  at.     Witli  no  help 
from    the   Coits,  every   room  but   one  was  occu]>ied  last 
night,  so  Mr.  Taft,  the  gentlemanly  i)roprietor,  tells  me. 
This  fact  would  seem  to   imply  tliat   P:astport    is   appre- 
ciated as  a  i)lace  of  summer  resort. 

Our  tarry  here  to-day  affords  our  energetip  steward,  I\Ir. 
Glazier,  a  fine  opportunity  to  take  in  provisions,  and  lie 
knows  how  to  take  advantage  of  it.  2000  loaves  of  bread 
are  baking,  an  ox  and  14  lambs  are  to  be  slaughtered,  the 
Eastport  hens  are  trying  to  lay  all  their  eggs  at  once,  and 
a  native  lias  been  dispatched  17  miles  into  the  country  for 
12  bushels  of  i)ease.  What  hapi)ier  conjunction  can  be 
imagined  than  tliose  pease  with  the  St.  John  salmon  the 
steward  has  jiromised  to  feast  us  with  for  the  next  three 
days! 


Ill 


34 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


Wi'U,  wo  Hhall  all  take  with  uh  pleasant  iiieinories 
of  KastjHH't,  ami  i^ood  wishes  for  its  hosidtable  |)e<>|>le. 
Their  excellent  hc]io(>1m  make  them  inteHii,'ent  ;  their 
transient,  but  oft-reeuniiiuj  inteicoiirse  with  the  polite 
worhl,  imparts  a  culture  and  retinemeiil  umisual  in  com- 
munities so  far  removed  from  i^reat  cities ;  an<l  their 
isolation  fosters  a  kindly  feeling  for  strangers. 

To-morrow  morning,  at  4,  we  set  ot!'  for  St.  John. 
What  there  awaits  us  will  be  told  in  another  letter. 

A.    II.    i>. 


Bay  of  Fundy,  Jply  30,  1870. 

E  arc  bounding  along  this  morning,  with  im- 
^^^  petuous  speed,  to  exchange  caresses  with  one  of 
the  British  whelps.  Proudly  conscious  that  Uncle  Sam's 
eagle  eye  is  upon  us,  we  shall  try  to  behave  with  propriety. 
If  the  youngster,  mistaking  the  spirit  of  some  good- 
natured  pat,  "  gets  his  little  back  up,"  we  shall  instantly 
strike  a  contemplative  attitude,  make  the  thing  a  study  for 
the  benefit  of  the  Worcester  Natural  History  Society, 
and  wait  for  it  to  come  down  again.  The  St.  John  Guide 
Book  is  eloquent  in  its  description  of  this  Tory-founded 


COIT  C01{UESrONI>«:NCE. 


35 


city  and  siirrounrlintrs.  Wo  hIkiII  see  if  the  reality 
"  COMICS  up  to  tlK.  I.i^h  tiud  s(,uiM]i„g  phrase  of  the 
manifesto." 

The  sea  is  so  niucli  rou-},er  than  heretofore,  that  some  of 
our  party  Hnd  it  tli«i<-nh  ^o  cw/to/,,  their-theiraainiration. 
Several  of  the  "weaker  vessels"  abruptly  (juitted  the 
hreakf'ist  table  without  lueutioning  the  cause.  As  they 
Hhot  past,  alarmed  friends  encpiired,  "Pray,  are  you  ill?  " 
And  with  handkerchief  (juite  stopping  the  entrance  of 
that  "  most  miracul«,us  organ  "  whence  is  M'ont  to  issue 
tiie  divinest  of  sounds,  a  woman's  voice,  and  with  eyes 
convulsively  closed  as  if  to  prevent  i)ossible  egress  there, 
the  fair  fugitive  touchingly  munmired, 

"  Entuned  in  hire  nose  ftj]  swetely  " 

"  M m, m ni  "— . 

"  Things  unattempted  yet  in  prose  or  rhyme." 

T  believe  it  is  Carlyle  who  characterizes  r\an  as  «a 
walking  stomach."  A  sea-sick  individual  accepts  the 
definition. 


I  continue  this  letter  after  a  long  and  long-to-be- 
remembered  day  in  St.  John.  Indeed,  we  excursionists  find 
ourselves  obliged  to  adopt  the  eight  horn-  system,  i.  e.,  eight 
hours  in  the  forenoon,  and  eight  hours  in  the  afternoon. 
Warily   advancing  through  the  partially  illuminated  fog, 


i 


' 


36 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


listening  to  the  steamer's  impatient  cry,  "  where  are  you, 
old  fog-y,"  and  to  the  deep  bass  of  the  fog  bell,  as  it  seemed 
to  answer  like  a  "  spirit  from  the  vasty  deep,"  O-v^r 
he-re,  o-ver  he-re,  slow— ly,  friend,  slow— ly,  we  at  last 
pass  Manawaganish — vulgarly  styled  Mahogany  island, 
then  Partridge  island,  and  lo,  through  the  misty  air  loom 
the  shipping  and  rocky  heights  of  the  commercial  capital 
of  New  Brunswick.  We  ride  into  the  harbor  to  the  tune 
of  "  God  save  the  Queen,"  grandly  i)layed  from  our 
hurricane  deck,  and  are  met  at  the  wharf  by  a  multitude 
of  mutton-chop  whiskers  and  small  boys.  But  certain 
gentlemen  having  long  whips  in  their  hands  with  which 
they  kindly  beckoned  to  us,  saying  constantly  "  Av-a  cab- 
zur,"  "av-a-cab-zur  ?"  appeared  most  gratified  to  see  us.  Not 
comprehending  what  part  of  the  government  they  repre- 
sented, though  plainly  perceiving  that  they  were  indulging 
in  expressions  of  welcome,  we  imitated  the  example  of  our 
reticent  President  Grant,  bowed  with  dignity  and  passed 
on.  Whereat,  observing  our  urbanity,  they  were  so 
delighted  that  they  exclaimed  the  more,  "Av-a-cab-zur!" 
"Av-a-cab-zur!"  So  cordial  a  greeting,  of  course, 
awakens  the  best  sentiments  of  our  nature,  and  assures  us 
that  we  shall  like  these  foreigners. 

But  all  pleasantry  aside,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  that 
from  the  moment  of  our  landing  we  have  been  treated 
more  like  brothers  than  mere  visitors.  The  Mayor  has 
dined  with  us,   and  citizens  have  vied  with  each  other 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


37 


in  Gxtendinij  to  us  delicate  .attentions,  .accom])anvin<j:  us 
to  points  of  interest  and  sho^ving  us  just  where  and  how 
to  ffet  the  finest  views  of  this  most  attractive  refjion.  We 
are  again  blessed  witli  the  glad  sunsliine,  and  breathe 
exhilarating  air.  ]My  observations  in  so  short  a  time  must 
of  com*se  be  j)artial,  like  a  soldier's  on  the  battle-field. 
The  Coits  have  been  active.  Some  have  been  after  the 
speckled  trout,  and  some  after  kid  gloves — real  Joseph's. 
at  130  IT.  S.  cents  a  pair  —  some  driving,  and  more 
promenading.  A  few,  alas,  have  found  the  Insane 
Asylum  the  Penitentiary,  the  Jail,  or  even  the  Poor 
House  so  attractive  and  well  suited  to  their  resj)ective 
conditions,  that  there  is  little  ho})e  of  luring  them  back 
to  Worcester.  One  elderly  Coit  in  particular,  who  is 
"  mad  only  nor'  nor'  west "  gives  glowing  accounts  of  the 
Insane  Asylum.  For  myself,  I  confess  while  i^triving  to 
be  as  ubiquitous  as  possible,  I  caught  myself  more  than 
once  gazing  pensively  upon  the  Poor  House.  The 
above-mentioned  institutions  are  represented  by  respecta- 
ble edifices  and  are  among  the  most  noticeable  of  a 
public  sort.  The  Custom-IIouse  and  Hotels  generally 
are  rather  seedy  looking  buildings.  The  Theatre  is  a  rude 
and  rickety  affair,  so  small  that  the  orchestra,  consisting 
of  a  bass-viol,  three  fiddles  and  two  brass-horns,  can 
easily  "split  the  ears  of  the  groundlings."  The  parks 
are  small,  unkempt,  and  destitute  of  8j)ecial  ornament. 
The  dwelling  houses,  and  lesser  business  establishments, 


38 


COIT   COHHESI'ONDEXCE. 


liavo  in  genornl  a  battorod  look.  Tlie  market-place  is  a 
dinn'v  au'Lri'eu'alion  of  stalls  where  exeelleiit  beef  can  be 
bounht  for  13  cts.  a  pound,  engs  for  23  cts.,  butter  for 
30  cts.,  blueberries  and  rasj)berries  for  4  cts.  a  quart.  On 
the  other  hand,  the  sti'eets  ai'e  refreshingly  broad,  and 
not  a  i'vw  very  imposing  structures  of  brick  or  stone, 
adorn  the  busier  thoroughfares  of  trade.  The  II()S])ital 
toj)s  a  considerable  hill  which  not  only  ai^brds  a  healthful 
site  but  admirably  displays  the  tine  j)r<)poriions  of  the 
bnildinij.  From  this  itoint  is  obtained  a  most  ravi.shin<jr 
view  of  Mount  Pleasant.  Reed's  Castle,  so  called,  crowns 
the  summit.  On  either  hand  stretching  awav  on  the  left 
to  Paradise,  on  the  right  to — well,  for  a  guess,  to  the 
Land  of  Canaan,  and  all  atlowu  the  unev'cn  sloj)e  before 
us,  are  ensconsed  beliind  thick-growing  cedars  very  maiiy 
of  the  finer  residences  of  the  citv.  Tiie  beautiful  oardeus 
and  grass  plats  which  surround  these  villas  are  hid  from 
our  view  by  the  foliage,  as  are  also  most  of  the  villas 
themselves,  except  their  Gothic  roofs  and  towers.  A  light 
haze  softened  the  [>icture  as  we  looked  and  gave  to  it  that 
fairy  like  charm  which  twilight  sometimes  lends  to  the 
landscape.  This  view  captivates  all  and  is  worth  coming 
to  St.  John  to  see.  Still  facing  Mount  Pleasant,  directly 
below  us  in  the  valley,  is  the  Victoria  Skating  Kink,  the 
larirest  in  America.  A  little  to  the  right  is  the  Convent 
of  the  Sacred  Heart,  where  pious  maidens  ne'er  look  upon 
the  face  of  nature  or  the  face  of  man.     A  few  steps  bring 


1 


COIT    COKlJESrONDENCK. 


39 


that 


upon 
bring 


ns  to  tlie  Bisliop's  palace  and  to  llio  Catholic  Cathech'al 
whoso  grand  bulk  and  pleasing  ai'dntocture  excite  our  ad- 
nii.alion,  St.  John  is  mpliaticallv  a  citv  of  cliurches  ; 
from  Carleton  Ileiulirs  alone  niav  be  counted  the  turrets 
or  sj)ires  of  twenty-live,  h'roni  Hospital  hill,  facing  about, 
we  look  out  ui)on  Coiu'teney  l>av,  where  the  surf  is  di-iven 
in  upon  the  flats  l)y  a  tide  which  rises  40  feet  at  the 
wharves.  Mount  Pleasant  overlooks  Lily  Lake,  a  half- 
houi-'s  walk  from  King  street.  This  sheet  of  watei", 
about  three  miles  in  circuit,  is  oblong,  lias  a  sinuous  mar- 
gin and  is  the  home  of  the  j)ond-lilies.  The  banks  clothed 
with  spruce  and  cedars  rise  100  feet  or  more  with  only  a 
slight  slope  from  the  water,  addiu^  uniipieness  to  the 
whole  effect. 

At  the  foot  of  King  street  is  ^Market  S(piare,  now  a 
grand  stan<l  for  drays,  carts  and  slovens.  Ilci'e,  at  what 
is  called  The  Slip  —  suggestive  M'ord  —  landed,  in  17H3, 
the  '•  Pilgrim  Fathers  of  New  IJrunswick,"  those  old 
Loyalists  whose  souls  di<l  not  kindle  with  oiu"  fathers'  ujjou 
the  ''im})erial  theme"  of  the  Kevolution.  I  didn't  observe 
any  monument  in  this  vicinity,  but  in  the  Old  IJurial 
Ground. — which  by  the  way  is  prettily  divei'sitied  with 
willows,  and  horse  chestnut  trees,  though  otherwise  shabby 
enough — I  noticed  a  great  many  deaths  of  ehieily  gentle- 
men in  18L>,  and  conehuled  that  becoming  disgusted  with 
life  they  slipj)cd  oiV  in  each  others'  company  as  they  came. 

This  letter  is  already  too  long,  and  yet  I  have  not  half 


40 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


I 


exhimsted  tlie  scones  uikI  siglits  of  this  meinorable  clay. 
I  niiist  refer  you  to  Mr.  Mecorney's  letters  in  the  A}>?/ 
wltere  you  will  find,  I  doubt  not,  all  the  ga})8  filled.  Or, 
better  yet,  come  yourself  and  behold  this  truly  noble  har- 
bor, with  is  grand  semi-circle  edged  with  ships ;  the  Sus- 
l)ension  Bridge ;  the  marvellous  }»henonienon  of  the  Falls 
at  the  mouth  of  the  St.  John  river,  where  twice  a  day  the 
descending  waters  face  directly  o})po8ite  i)oints  of  the  com- 
pass— like  little  boys  see-sawing — and  where  twice  a  day 
for  fifteen  minutes  and  no  longer,  vessels  may  pass  up  or 
down ;  and,  if  piscatorially  inclined,  catch  all  the  trout  and 
salmon  you  can.  I  cannot  quite  omit,  however,  my 
happie.->t  ex[)erience  of  the  day — a  visit  to  the  Barracks. 
Until  recently,  England  has  kept  a  large  military  force 
here.  It  was  expensive  and  useless.  Now  one  regiment 
of  Scotch  Highlanders  answers  for  this  province  and  Nova 
Scotia — two  companies  here,  six  there.  These  Scotch 
bovs  fjave  us  "a  Ilin:hland  welcome,"  and  took  evident 
pleasure  in  giving  us  information  and  gratifying  our 
curiosity.  Among  other  things  they  showed  us  a  genuine 
needle-gun,  and  explained  its  peculiar  and  ingenious 
device  for  exploding  the  caj).  But  the  noble  fellows 
wei'e  themselves  the  objects  of  greatest  interest.  Many 
were  in  full  dress — feather  bonnet  and  hackle,  scarlet  tunic, 
kilt,  sporran,  hose,  white  gaiters,  and  skene-dhu,  all  eom- 
})lete.  For  undress  they  wear  a  buff  jacket  and  the  Glen- 
garry  caj).     They  belong  to  the  78th  Highlanders,  their 


■PRHHI 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


41 


regimental  crest  being  a  stag's  liead  witli  scroll  inscribed 
^^CiikUc/in  m<jhr  or   "King's  3Ien,"  and  tlieir  war-cry 
^^^Carherfeyr     The  piper,  John  Duncan,  ol,ligi„gly  tuned 
his  bagi)ipe— instrument  dear  to  tlie  Iligliland  8cotch,-~ 
and  played  reels  and  jigs ;  then,  striking  a  h.t'ticr  stra'in, 
the    "Gatliering   of  the  Clans"    and    "I'm    nearin'  awa' 
Jean,"  closed  the   pleasant   entertainment.     I  tliouojit  of 
the  Scotch  piper  brought  into  the  presence  of  Xapoleon. 
"  Play  a  march,"  said  the  Emjjeror.     He  played  it.    "  Play 
a  pibroch."     It  was  played.     "  Play  a  retreat."     "Xa,  na, 
I  caima  play  that,"  was  the  (piick  reply.     I  shall  not  forget 
Sergeant  James   Tuite,  a   liero  of  Lucknow,  who    wears 
three  medals  upon  his  breast—"  India,"    "Persia,"   and  a 
tliird  inscribed,    "  for  lox<;  skkvk  k  and  (ax,,,  ('on„u<t.' 
How  proud  I  was  to  gras],  his  manly  hand,  and  s1k,w  my 
esteem   for  his  modest  merit!     Xor   shall  I  let  go  from 
memory   the  names  and  faces  of  Wishart   and   Willsou. 
Good-bye  boys—may  God  indeed  be  with  you. 

And  now,  reminding  you  that  this  city  is  about  tlie  size 
of  Worcester,— population  45,000  ;  tliat  its  thrift— for  it 
seems  to  be  thriving— depends  largely  upon  its  trade 
in  fish  and  lumber ;  that  it  makes  large  importations  of 
British  goods,  and  sells  the  costliest  of  them  to  us 
Yankees,  whose  dollars  just  now  are  worth  84  cents, 
I  tiike  my  leave  of  the  goodly  city  of  St.  John. 

A.  H.  D. 


42 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


PASSAMAQnODDY  HOUSK,  EASTPOBT,  AUG.  2,  1870. 

-j^lPi^^I^EE  eventful  days  of  the  Coit  Excursion  are  to 
be  im})ei-fectly  sketched  in  this  letter.  The  Sab- 
bath was  observed  as  becomes  the  descendants  of  the  Pil- 
grims. Three  services  were  held  on  board  the  steamer, 
the  morning  one  conducted  by  our  worthy  Chaplain,  Rev. 
Mr.  Osterhout ;  that  in  the  afternoon,  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bullard. 
At  nightfall,  tlie  beauty  of  the  sky  and  surrounding  scenery, 
together  with  the  softness  of  the  evening  air,  having  drawn 
great  numbers  to  the  upper  decks,  and  a  crowd  of  St.  John 
people  numbering  a  thousand  or  more  to  the  wharf  along- 
side, it  was  decided  to  have  the  third  service  in  the  open 
air.  Tlie  exercises,  consisting  of  hymns  reverently  sung  by 
the  great  congregation ;  an  elocpient  and  earnest  address  to 
the  young  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bullard ;  the  following  pieces  by 
the  Band— "Old  Hundred,"  "The  Prayer  from  Der  Frei- 
schutz,"  "  The  Elegy  of  Tears,"  "  God  Save  the  Queen;  "— 
and  a  closing  prayer ;  were  exceedingly  impressive.  The 
multitude  upon  the  shore  evinced  their  respect  for  the  day 
and  for  the  occasion,  in  a  manner  so  marked  as  to  excite 
general  comment.  Not  a  single  sound  of  rudeness  marred 
the  sacred  hour. 

Many  of  course  attended  church  in  the  city  at  places 
suited  to  individual  convictions  and  tastes.  Not  a  few 
went  to  the  Catholic  Cathedral,  attracted  by  the  announce- 
ment that  Bishoi*  Sweeny  would  give  some  account  of  the 


T 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


43 


lay 
nte 
i-ed 


Ecumenical  Council  at  Rome  from  which  he  has  just  re- 
turned, and  by  the  rumor  that  the  Brignoli  troupe,  now  in 
the  city,  were  to  perform  there  Mozart's  Twelfth  Mass. 
Scores  returned  declaring  that  they  distinctly  recognized  the 
great  tenor's  voice,  and  were  ecstatic  in  })raise  of  the  music. 
No  doubt  it  was  good ;  but  ahis  for  their  ears,  the  St.  John 
papers  dispelled  the  illusion  next  morning  by  stating  that 
the  Signor  did  not  sing.  Baptist  and  Methodist  churches 
predominate  in  the  city,  and — excepting  the  single  Con- 
gregational society — contrary  to  what  one  would  suppose, 
there  are  least  Episcopal. 

Your  readers  are  aware  that  St.  John  was  to  be  our 
objective  point.  But  we  have  overshot,  being  induced  to 
believe  that  it  would  never  do  to  miss  this  opportunity  of 
witnessing  the  scenery  upon  the  river,  and  of  visiting 
the  Celestial  city.  Arrangements  were  therefore  made 
with  Mr.  Reuben  Lunt,  the  gentlemanly  proprietor  of  the 
steamer  Rothesay,  the  fastest  and  best  upon  the  river,  by 
which  the  excursionists  could  obtain  tickets  to  Fredericton 
and  back  for  one  dollar.  United  States  money; — less  than 
half  fire.  Conveyed  by  various  vehicles,  or  going  on  foot, 
some  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  our  party  reached  Indian- 
town,  two  miles  distant,  at  eight  o'clock  on  Monday  morn- 
ing, and  embarked  upon  the  steamer.  A  considerable 
company  of  St.  John  people,  at  least  forty  gentlemen  with 
their  wives  and  daughters,  added  themselves  to  our  j)arty 
and  doubled  our  enjoyment  all  the  way,  not  only  by  their 


44 


COIT   COHRESrONDENCE. 


It  ■■ 


agreeable  society,  but  also  by  indicating  all  i)oints  of  inter- 
est and  conveying  nuicli  information.  Of  this  mnnber 
may  be  mentioned  John  March,  Esq.,  editor  of  the  Morn- 
ing News,  and  reputed  one  of  the  best  jilionctic  rejtorters 
upon  the  Continent ;  T.  V.  Ellis,  Es(i.,  editor  of  the  Even- 
ing Globe,  strangely  like  the  rebel  Gen.  Lee  in  counte- 
nance, but  most  unlike  him  in  his  political  sympathies 
during  the  Great  Rebellion  ;  a  reporter  for  the  Daily  Tele- 
graph ;  Dr.  Fisk ;  Elder  Garrity ;  Lewis  Carvel,  Es(p, 
General  Superintendent  of  the  Euro}»ean  and  North  Ameri- 
can llailway  ;  Rev.  A.  S.  McKenzie,  ])astor  of  the  Lein- 
ster  Street  Baptist  Church ;  and  John  R.  ^larshall,  Chief 
of  Police,  who  having  no  duties  ajipertaining  to  his  office 
to  perform  in  such  a  company,  gracefully  discliarged  those 
of  a  tine  old  English  gentleman. 

Scarcely  had  we  time  for  introductions  and  nmtual  greet- 
mgs  before  the  striking  characteristics  of  the  shore  ab- 
sorbed our  attention.  For  several  miles  the  river  is  con- 
fined narrowly  between  limestone  rocks,  somewhat  reseni- 
bluig  the  Palisades  upon  the  Hudson,  M'hile  towering  bluffs 
and  bold  headlands  mark  their  grand  outlines  against  the 
sky.  Passing  close  under  the  snout  of  Boar's  Head  we 
emerge  into  a  broad  and  beautiful  expanse  of  water  called 
Grand.  Bay.  The  same  majestic  scenery  surrounds  us  but 
at  a  further  remove.  Here  we  cross  the  mouth  of  the  first 
tributary  from  the  East — the  Kennebecacis  river,  i.  e.  the 
little  Kennebec,  noted  for  salmon  and  boat-racing.     At  the 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


45 


head  of  Graii<l  Ray  comes  in  tlie  Nere|»is  s])aniie(l  by  a 
bridge  a  mile  and  a  qnarter  long,  whose  arches  were  visi- 
ble to  our  glasses  far  down  the  Bay.  Now  we  round 
Brundage's  Point  making  almost  a  right  angle.  Every 
eye  is  strained  and  every  glass  is  jiointed  to  behold  the 
L()N<i  Kkach.  There  it  is,  for  eighteen  miles  stretching 
away,  straight  as  a  bee  can  fly,  until  it  narrows  to  a 
silver  thread !  Along  the  Reach  the  banks  are  steep 
slopes,  presenting  frequent  cultivated  clearings.  Near  the 
head  of  the  Reach,  twenty-three  miles  from  St.  John,  is 
Oak  Point,  with  a  light-house  at  its  tip,  a  mere  lamp- 
post with  which  every  point  or /bnoan?  piece  of  land  upon 
the  St.  John  is  extravagantly  decorated  by  the  nnmificence 
of  the  Dominion  of  Canada.  Just  above,  we  glide  past 
Grassy  Island,  seemingly  a  mere  surface  of  tall  interval 
grass  growing  out  of  the  water.  Next  we  muse  upon  The 
Mistake,  where  a  long  landslip  parallel  with  the  banks  and 
})arting  the  river,  tempted  the  first  adventurers  to  the  left 
hand  course  which  terminates,  after  running  a  three  mile 
rig,  in  a  cul-de-sac — a  i)retty  serious  mistake.  When  will 
men  "seek  i\\c  right  and  }»ursue  it?"  Presently  Ave  pass 
I?ellisle  Bay  extending  on  the  right  12  miles  inland  and 
fringed  with  highly  cultivated  farms.  Midway  between  St. 
John  and  Fredericton  is  Long  Island,  shaped  like  a  cres- 
cent, and  measuring  from  horn  to  horn  three  miles,  with  a 
width  at  the  widest  of  a  half-mile — a  beautiful  interval 
dotted  with  tall  elms,  across  which  as  we  look  is  seen  the 


46 


COIT    CORRESPONDENCE. 


line  of  buslios  wlioro  winds  iin  encircling  arm  of  flio  river 
nnd  in  tlie  background  an  amiihitheatre  (»f  lillls  wliose 
fronting  slopes  are  covered  with  green  Helds  and  pretty 
farm-cottages.  On  the  island  itself  is  a  marshy  lake  where 
in  Autumn  the  ducks  do  congregate  and  sportsmen  love  to 
prowl.  ()i)positc  Long  Island  a  narrow  strait  leads  to 
Washedamoak  Lake,  twx'uty  miles  long. 

And  now  leaving  the  wild  and  rugged  scenery  we  enter 
upon  the  interval  country.  Far  almost  as  the  eye  can 
l)ierco  on  either  hand  lie  the  smiling  jtlains.  The  tall  elms, 
the  yet  uncut  grass  waving  in  the  breeze,  the  lights  and 
shadows  from  the  broken  clouds,  the  varied  tints  of  trees 
and  grains  and  grasses,  combine  to  })roduce  a  view,  the 
loveliness  of  which  is  8im[>ly  indescribable.  Passing  the 
head  of  3Iusquash  Island,  we  spy  opposite  through  the  trees 
the  Court  House  of  Gagetown,  the  shire  town  of  Queen's 
county.  Just  here  the  wind  freshens,  making  us  hold  our 
hats  on,  but  not  preventing  our  exchanging  salutes  with 
the  Grand  Lake  steamer  as  she  tiits  by.  Indeed,  all  along, 
we  meet  or  overtake  vessels  laden  with  shingles,  deal  and 
hay.  Over  against  Gagetown  is  the  entrance  to  Grand 
Lake  called  the  Jemseg,  a  creek  so  nan-ow^  that  in  some 
places  two  vessels  cannot  pass  each  other,  and  yet  so  deep 
that  a  good  sized  steamer  ploughs  safely  through.  It 
winds  along  between  the  interval  and  the  highlands  for 
four  miles,  to  meet  the  Lake  which  is  thirty  miles  long 
by  six  wide.     Millions   of  logs  annually    tloat   down  the 


COIT   COllUESrONDENCE. 


47 


It 


lie 


Jcniseg.  From  our  Ininicane  dock  one  may  see  a  fine 
Hijrjit:  Jeniseu:,  (irantl  Lake,  Tlioroii^lifare,  ]\ra(iuai)it. 
Little  Tliorotiu'lifare,  and  Frencli  Lake — all  strung  together 
like  beads  uj)on  a  string. 

And  now,  one  grand  stretch  oi'  verdant  interval  on   the 
left  bank,  and  on  the  right  intervals  and  hills  interspersed, 
accompany  us  all  the  way  to  Fredericton — thirty  miles.   OfV 
Grimross  Island  another  steamer  jtasses  us,  the  third  since 
we    started.     Our    IJlue-nose    cousins    shout,    wave    their 
liats   and    liandkerchiefs,    and    we    uproariously    respond. 
Twenty-four  miles  from  Fredericton,  Ox  and  ^lajor  Islands 
divide  the  river  into  three  channels.     We  take  the  right 
a>i<l  apjtroach  the  little   parish  of  Sjiettield.     Here  a  boat 
hails  us  and  we  take  on  board  Judge  Fisher  and  lion.  W. 
II.  Needham,  of  Fi'edericton — the  latter,  a  veritable  Jack 
Falstaif.     Close  by,  the  Chief  of  Police  points  out  to  me 
a  mairnificent  farm  running  six  miles  back  from  the  river 
on  which  his  great  grandfatlier,  Samuel   Upton,  settled, 
coming   from  Salem  in   17G7.     As  we  near  Fredericton, 
for   twenty  miles   beautiful   farms   and  farm-houses   peep 
out  between  rows  of  elms  and   shrubbery   which  border 
the  banks.     Twelve  miles  from  Fredericton  we  pass  Oro- 
mocto  village,  river  and  island.     From  here  to  the  capi- 
tal shifting  phases  of  quiet  beauty  oifei"  themselves  to  the 
eye  in  almost  wearisome  profusion.     But  the  beauty  as 
heretofore  is  of  nature  and  not  of  art.     One  cannot  hel}) 
remarking  that  Americans  would  hardly  be  content  with 


48 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


this  "  iiatiire  imadoriic*!."  Stately  summer  residences 
would  perch  iii>on  every  bluff  or  look  out  from  every  glade. 
"  We  havn't  the  money,"  they  say. 

Our  rec(»|)tion  at  Fre<lericton  Avas  very  cordial.  The 
wharves  were  thronged.  Ilatidkerchiefs  fluttered  from  fair 
hands  in  every  window.  I  lis  Excellency,  the  Lieut.  Gover- 
nor, Ilis  Worship,  the  Mayor,  the  United  States  Consul  and 
many  citizens  were  in  waiting  with  carriages.  Presenta- 
tions over,  the  whole  i)arty  were  invited  to  the  Governor's 
residence,  where  a  most  delightful  hour  was  divided  be- 
tween the  elegant  drawing-rooms  and  the  charming  gar- 
dens in  the  rear  of  the  mansion.  The  Governor  took  each 
excursionist  by  the  hand  and  presented  each  lady  with  a 
pink.  There  was  little  time  to  linger.  A  jovial  Briton 
and  myself  seize  a  barouche  and  elope  mth  two  h'ulies. 
A  whisk  through  the  principal  streets,  a  passing  glance 
at  the  fine  Cathedral,  at  the  little  and  dingy  Parliament 
Buildings,  at  the  not  palatial  Queen's  hotel,  at  the  Meth- 
odist church  with  a  huge  hand  pointing  heavenward  with 
its  dexter  finger  from  the  steeple  top,  and  we  were  up 
the  hill,  and  through  the  birchen  grove,  and  knocking  for 
admittance  at  the  University  of  New  Brunswick.  Dr. 
Jack,  the  President,  soon  appeared,  and  politely  conducted 
us  through  the  building.  There  was  little  to  see  within, 
except  a  good  refracting  telescope,  a  respectable  museum, 
and  some  pretty  hard  looking  dormitories.  But  the  view 
from  the  roof  of  the  portico,  including  the  city  directly  in 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


49 


"'r 


front,  around  which  the  river  bends  in  a  lon<?  semi-circuit, 
the  far  oif  ampliithcatre  of  hills,  and  the  Naslnvaak  at 
whose  mouth  Latour  built  the  first  fort  in  Acadia,  is  mag- 
nificent indeed.  The  Doctor  presents  us  a  catalogue,  we 
raise  our  hats,  and  our  horse  raises  his  feet  in  a  mad  race 
to  the  boat.  We  have  spent  two  hours  in  Fredericton, 
and  are  ready  to  stait  again  at  4  r.  m.  A  greater  throng 
than  welcomed  us  shout  good-bye,  the  city  band  strikes 
up,  and  ours  replies  as  we  cast  off  from  shore.  Our  re- 
ception has  been  more  enthusiastic  than  Prince  Arthur's. 

A  cold,  bracing  wind  made  it  glorious  to  promenade  the 
deck  on  the  downward  sail.  As  it  grew  dark  the  company 
gathered  within  and  listened  to  songs,  readings,  and  excel- 
lent speeches.  By  11  o'clock  the  Coits  were  home  again 
upon  their  own  boat,  delighted  with  their  trip. 

Next  morning  many  of  our  friends  came  on  board  to  bid 
us  farewell.  His  Worship,  the  Mayor,  in  a  neat  speech, 
bade  us  Godspeed  and  good  bye.  Our  honored  president, 
Mr.  Geo.  R.  Peckham,  called  upon  Mr.  Mecorney  to  re- 
spond, which  he  did  most  felicitously.  Capital  speeches 
were  also  made  by  Mr.  O.  D.  Wetmore,  a  Prince  William 
Street  Broker,  and  Mr.  John  Boyd  of  the  London  House. 
It  was  pleasant  to  hear  Mr.  Wetmore  utter  such  sentiments 
as  these :  "  No  one  now  doubts  that  i/ater  forefathers  were 
right"  and  " We  claim  a  share  in  the  heritage  and  in  the 
name  of  George  Washington."    With  three  cheers  or  three 

times  three,  for  the  Queen,  the  President,  the  Mayor,  the 

5 


ir 


50 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


Coits,  the  citizens  of  St.  Jolin,  tlie  lady  excursionists,  the 
pretty  girls  of  St.  Jolin,  and  two  or  three  "  tigers,"  we 
steamed  away  from  British  soil,  the  Band  playing  "  God 
save  the  Queen."  "  Tlie  Star  Spangled  Banner  "  followed 
hard  after,  however,  and  the  wind  blew  it  straight  into  our 
cousins'  faces. 

The  windblcAV  high,  and  by  the  time  we  reached  Xew 
River,  where  two  tides  meet,  tlie  condition  of  most  of 
our  party  was  woful  enough.  Frequent  libations  were 
made  to  Neptune  over  the  rail.  In  the  ladies'  cabin  things 
were  in  a  general  state  of  upheaval.  Coits,  for  the  first 
time,  looked  wretched. 

"  Man  delights  not  me,  no,  nor  woman  neither," 

vas  in  large  type  on  scores  of  faces.  Your  correspondent 
meanwhile,  deeply  penetrated  with  the  ludicrous  phase  of 
the  scene,  sat  over-coated  and  alone  upon  the  hurricane 
deck,  experiencing  only  a  sort  of  delicious  intoxication. 

We  reached  Eastport  at  last ;  fishing  parties  r.tattered 
over  the  Bay ;  cod  and  haddock  enough  for  one  breakfast 
were  caught ;  a  dance  is  in  prospect  this  evening,  and  we 
start  for  Mount  Desert  at  midnight. 

Oh,  these  Eastport  girls  !  —  I  mean  —  "  Those  evening 
Bell(e)s ! "     It  is  late  and  my  mind  wanders. 

A.    U.    D. 


m^v<,M*  mn^^^f^mmr^ 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


51 


American  House,  Belfast,  Me.,  Acscst  4, 1870. 

fc^STERDAY  morning,  just  as  the  trumpet's  Nour- 
ish sununoned  us  to  breakfast,  we  hove  in  sight  of 
Mt.  Desert,  and  soon  after  landed  in  front  of  the  Rock- 
away  House,  with  full  stomachs.  Three  hours  was  our  al- 
lotted time  —  vexatiously  short.  Some  of  our  party,  in  - 
eluding  ladies,  made  directly  for  the  Green  Mountain 
House,  situated  ui)on  the  highest  point  of  land.  Half  Avay 
up  a  glance  was  spared  to  Eagle  Lake,  deeply  cradled  in 
its  rock  bed.  Toiling  on,  at  length  the  summit  is  attained, 
2000  feet  above  the  sea.  My  jtencil  refuses  to  describe. 
Wordsworth's  line  is  not  too  strong  to  utter,  standing  upon 
this  lofty  dome — 

"  Oh,  'twas  an  unimaginable  sight! " 

The  view  is  bounded  only  by  the  power  of  vision.  On 
one  side  islands,  the  white  winged  ships,  and  "  old  ocean's 
gray  and  melancholy  waste,"  on  the  other  the  rivers,  lakes 
and  villages  of  the  far-off  main.  Ellsworth,  the  shire  town 
of  the  county,  forty  miles  away,  is  distinctly  visible.  I 
leave  this  party  to  get  down  as  it  can — jumping  myself, 
in  order  to  save  time. 

It  is  not  far  to  The  Pulpit,  a  rock  structure,  wonder- 
fully suggestive  of  its  n:ime.  At  a  little  remove  upon  the 
beach  stands  Balance  Rock,  a  mighty  boulder,  egg-shaped 
and  poised  nicely  upon  its  tapered  end.     It  looks  to  me 


11 


III 


52 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


as  if  one  might  overturn  it  with  the  hand  —  a  thing  that 
"  all  the  King's  oxen  and  all  the  King's  men  "  would  sweat 
to  do.  By  an  extemporized  ladder  I  clambered  up  his 
granite  side, 

"  Perched  and  sat,  and  nothing  more." 

Leaving  the  Spouting  Horn,  the  Devil's  Oven,  Cathe- 
dral Rock — belonging  probably  to  his  Worship's  diocese — 
and  certain  other  awe-inspiring  localities,  to  be  "inter- 
viewed "  at  some  future  time,  I  took  a  comfortable  seat  in 
Mr.  Dupee's  photographic  tent  and  solaced  myself  with 
their  "counterfeit  presentment."  The  pictures  taken  by 
this  artist  upon  the  spot,  are  admirably  executed  and  de- 
serve a  place  in  every  New  Englander's  collection  of  ste- 
reoscopic views.  Mt.  Desert,  as  seen  upon  the  map,  is  a 
ragged  shred  torn  from  the  skirts  of  Hancock  County.  It 
contains  about  200  square  miles — being  18  miles  long  by 
12  miles  bropd.  It  is  divided  into  three  nearly  equal  town- 
ships —  Tremont  and  Eden  right  and  left,  and  Mt.  Desert 
through  the  centre.  South  West  Harbor  is  in  Tremont. 
Bar  Harbor,  our  stopping  place,  and  the  favorite  resort,  is 
in  Eden.  Eden  is  a  pretty  village  of  some  thrift,  derived 
mainly  of  course,  from  the  influx  of  summer  visitors. 
There  are,  however,  some  300  voters.  The  men  fish  and 
run  a  few  indolent  saw-mills.  There  are  about  thirty 
boarding-houses,  with  grand  names,  where  board  is  dis- 
pensed, or  disjyensed  with,  at  $8  or  $10  a  week,  and  eight 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


53 


tasteful  cottages  for  summer  residence  o\vned  by  gentle- 
men abroad.  I  noticed  several  of  the  latter  with  bioad 
piazzas  running  quite  round  them,  the  pillars  of  wliich 
were  simply  tree-trunks  from  "the  forest  primeval,"  de- 
nuded of  their  bark  and  horrent  with  their  amputated  limbs. 
"  Little  Jane  "  would  have  no  need  here,  to  "  run  up  the 
lane  to  hang  her  clothes  a-drvino-." 

On   the  east  of  Mt.   Desert  is  Frenchman's  Bay ;  the 
west  is  washed  by  the  waters  of  Union  River.     Bar  Har- 
bor takes  its  name  from   a  sand-bar  at  its  head,  across 
which  the  high  tide  sweei)S,  but  along  wliich  at  low  water 
one  may  walk  or  drive  to  Bar  Island.     The  cosy  harbor  is 
protected  by  forbidding  names.     The  Cat  watclies  at  the 
mouth  and  the  four  Porcupines  round  u].  their  bristling 
backs  in  line  along  the  sea-ward  side.     Coming  away,  we 
take  a  long  look  at  Schooner  Head  in  the  distance,  where 
nature,  in  frolic  mood,  has  painted  upon  the  smooth  and 
perpendicular  rock  the  perfect  similitude  of  a  little  ves 
sel  —  hull,  bowsprit,  masts  and  sails  complete. 

A  fine  sail  brings  us  to  Bangor,  with  which,  our  party 
wore  greatly  delighted  —  especially  admiring,  as  they  must, 
its  clean  streets  and  elegant  architecture.  This  city  is  well 
worth  a  long  letter,  but  I  do  not  forget  that  we  are  Hear- 
ing home,  and  viewing  objects  with  which  your  readers  are 
mostly  familiar.  Belfast  detains  us  about  a  couple  of  hours, 
and  I  glean  nothing  worthy  of  record  about  it.  Castine, 
opposite,  contains  an  old  fort  and  is  rich  in  historic  asso- 


51 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


elation  s.  The  fact  that  I  taught  a  winter's  school  there 
when  a  mere  boy,  seventeen  years  ago,  forms  no  part  of 
the  history  to  which  I  aUude.  The  truth  is  we  are  at 
length  gorged  with  sight  seeing,  and  like  Macbeth,  though 
with  somewhat  different  feelings,  we  are  ready  to  exclaim, 
"  I'll  see  no  more !  " 

A.    H.    D. 


WoRCBSTKB,  August  8, 1870. 

JY  last  letter  left  the  Coits  at  Belfast,  homeward 
bound.  Creeping  cautiously  through  the  fog,  we 
just  miss  running  down  one  of  the  schooners,  which  show 
themselves  to  our  curious  gaze  like  phantoms  or  spirit  pho- 
tographs as  we  pass  along,  and  about  6  p.  m.  reach  Rock- 
land, our  stopping  place  for  the  night. 

Rockland  has  a  population  of  near  8,000.  It  contains 
two  fine  hotels,  and,  in  spite  of  its  dirt,  gives  the  impres- 
sion of  wholesome  growth.  Its  business  is  lime  manufac- 
ture, fishing  and  farming.  It  can  make  lime  enough  to 
plaster  and  whitewash  all  creation.  The  limestone  runs  in 
a  straight  vein  for  nearly  two  miles  —  a  half-mile  wide. 
This  area  is  honey-combed  with  quarries,  one  of  which  has 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


55 


been  worked  for  seventy  yoars  and  seems  yet  as  imperisha- 
ble as  the  liver  of  Prometheus.  To  convert  the  stone  into 
lime,  nothing  is  necessary  but  a  tremendous  baking.  Six 
hours  "  between  two  fires "  hot  as  wood  and  Pictou  coal 
can  make,  are  too  much  for  the  volatile  nature  of  Mistress 
Carbonic  Acid,  and  she  therefore  flies  to  cooler  embraces, 
leaving  her  lord  to  pe.'isb  alone. 

"  Alas  for  the  rarity 
Of  Christian  charity 
Under  the  sun." 

Few  unions,  indeed,  could  stand  so  fiery  an  ordeal.  The 
deserted  partner,  "pale  as  his  shirt,"  is  noAV  quickly 
dragged  forth,  breaks  down  under  a  few  buflfets,  is  tumbled 
into  a  cask,  and  finally  emerges,  without  faith  in  human  or 
other  kind,  and  becomes  the  companion  of  "perfect  bricks" 
forever. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  the  process  is  a  kiln-ing 
one.  Of  patent  kilns  there  are  forty-four  in  operation  ;  a 
few  only  of  the  old-fashioned  sort.  Using  the  latter,  the 
fire  must  be  allowed  to  go  out  after  each  burning.  In  the 
furnaces  of  the  former,  night  and  day  it  is  ever  burn- 
ing like  the  fire  of  Vesta.  Each  kiln  produces  110  casks 
of  lime  a  week,  worth  on  the  average  about  $1.25  a  cask 
in  Boston. 

A  few  additional  facts  and  figures  may  interest  your 
readers.  To  run  one  kiln  two  men  are  required  at  the 
quarry  to  blast  the  rock  ;  two  to  cart  it,  a  mile  or  more  ; 


56 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


two  at  the  kiln  to  attend  to  the  burning  ;  one  to  fill  and 
head  up  the  cask  ;  and  two  more  to  put  it  on  board  the 
vessel.  Thus  it  would  appear  that  about  500  men  find  em- 
ployment in  this  special  branch  of  industry.  The  worker 
of  the  quarry  pays  to  its  owner,  on  each  cask  of  lime,  25 
cents  for  the  stone  ;  10  cents  for  carting;  30  cents  for  the 
cask;  and  for  shipment  to  Boston,  in  summer,  15  cents — 
in  winter,  30  cents.  To  this  must  be  added  labor  not  in- 
cluded above,  at  the  rate  of  f  2.00  a  day.  It  will  not  sur- 
prise you,  I  think,  when  I  say  10  cents  a  cask  is  regarded 
good  profit.  But  who  wouldn't  like  to  oimi  a  quarry,  and 
have  his  "  pile  of  rocks  "  carted  oif  to  the  tune  of  twenty 
five  cents  a  barrel !  A  i)retty  good  riddance  to  old  rubbish ! 
Here,  as  elsewhere,  it  seems,  a  few  favored  mortals  are 


while  the  multitude 


"  ful  mery  and  wel  at  ese," 


*'  fardels  bear, 


To  grunt  and  sweat  under  a  weary  life." 

Rockland  —  I  shudder  to  relate  —  is  doomed  to  a  mourn- 
ful pre-eminence  among  all  the  cities  we  visited.  It  came 
near  being  the  scene  of  a  tragedy.  The  victim  was  a  little 
fellow  who  had  been  enticed  away  from  home  and  kin- 
dred at  St.  John  by  one  of  our  own  number,  a  youth  not 
much  older  than  himself.  The  stranger's  winning  ways 
and  oi-phaned  condition  soon  won  most  hearts.  A  few 
jealous  eyes  shot  sinister  glances.     But  who  could  guess 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


57 


the  foul  intent !  "  In  the  dead  waist  and  middle  of  the 
night "  as  we  lay  at  Rockland,  some  ^vi'etch  —  "  O  limed 
soul  " — stole  tip-toe  to  this  infant's  bed  whence  issued  lit- 
tle homesick  sobs,  clutched  its  delicate  frame  and  sent  it 
whirling  to  a  watery  grave.  I  do  not  wish  to  doff-matize  ; 
but  what  better  evidence  of  a  special  Providence  do  you 
want  than  that  this  passion-blinded  assassin  flung  his  vic- 
tim in  the  wrong  direction!  The  bruised  innocent  was 
taken  up  from  the  wharf  in  the  morning  by  a  passing 
laborer,  tenderly  cared  for  and  restored  to  his  friends,  who 
in  a  burst  of  sympathy  and  affection  bestowed  upon  him 
the  immortal  name  of  "  Coit."  Wearing  that  proud  appel- 
lation, well  may  he  forbear  to  ferret  out  the  Cain-ine  indi- 
vidual, to  whom  he  owes  it. 

At  the  social  meeting  in  the  evening,  the  Mayor  of  the 
city,  the  local  Editor,  and  other  citizens  present,  gave  us  a 
kindly  greeting  and  arged  a  longer  stay.  But  home  drew 
now  like  a  magnet,  and  Friday  morning  saw  us  on  our  way 
to  Portland.  At  11  o'clock  a.  m.,  in  accordance  with  a 
vote  passed  the  previous  evening,  the  whole  company  as- 
sembled in  the  saloon  to  listen  to  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Resolutions.  The  Chairman  of  that  committee, 
A.  H.  Davis,  Esq.,  then  read  the  preamble  and  resolutions: 

^n  ^F  "V  ^F  ^  ^V  tV'  i^  tIC" 

The  resolutions  were  heartily  adopted.  Brief  responses 
having  been  made  by  Mr.  Mecorney  for  the  committee,  and 
by  other  gentlemen  referred  to  for  themselves,  it  Avas  voted 


5^ 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


that  a  copy  of  the  resohitions  be  sent  to  the  editors  of 
papers  in  the  places  visited. 

We  reached  Portland  at  4  p.  m.  Mayor  Kingsbury 
visited  us  in  the  evening  and  pronounced  upon  us  his 
official  benediction,  in  his  own  eloquent  way.  A  jjurse 
of  $00  was  presented  in  appro])riate  portions  to  tlie  head 
cook,  head-waiter,  and  two  stewardesses,  whose  gi-atified 
surprise  it  was  pleasant  to  see.  The  trumpeter,  whose 
cheery  notes  had  summoned  us  to  meals,  received  a  silver 
testimonial.  But  the  pleasantest  recollection,  perhaps,  of 
the  whole  trip,  centers  in  the  presentation  by  the  commit 
tee  of  an  elegant  silver  pitcher  and  salver,  to  Captain  Pike, 
whom  we  had  all  come  to  regard  in  almost  a  paternal  re- 
lation. The  good  man's  words  were  few.  It  had  been 
"the  pleasantest  trip  of  his  life."  He  could  not  keep  back 
the  tears.     Who  of  us  will  forget  the  noble  Captain  ! 

Saturday  morning  found  us  nearing  Boston.  We  ate 
our  last  brcalvfast  together  upon  the  Neio  Brunsiolck,  ral- 
lied around  the  Captain  and  took  him  by  the  hand  once 
more  ;  then  stepped  ashore  with  elastic  step,  the  ladies 
bringing  new  roses  in  their  cheeks  —  and  I  wonder  how 
many  and  what  new  things  in  their  trunks ;  the  gentlemen 
trim  as  bridegrooms,  with  "  chins  newly  reaped  "  by  the 
skillful  hand  of  our  tonsorial  artist,  Peter  V.  Johnson. 

At  precisely  one  o'clock,  p.  m.,  the  Coit  Excursion  moved 
out  of  the  Worcester  depot.  I  need  not  say  how  happy 
we  all  were  at  thought  of  the  near  homes ;  how  heartily 


i 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


59 


we  blessed  the  Band  as  still  leading  us,  it  gave  us  once 
more  in  fine  style  the  "  Coit  March,"  expressly  composed 
for  us  by  our  talented  musical  townsman,  S.  R.  Leland, 
Esq. ;  nor  how  cordially  we  said  many  a  good-bye  coupled 
with  the  wish  to  meet  again  under  like  circumstances. 

A.  H.  D. 


LETTERS 


Originally  published  In  the  Worcester  Dally  Spy. 


Portland,  M«.,  Jxilt  27, 1870. 


HOPE  your  readers  will  not  become  tired  and  sick 
of  hearing  about  the  "Coits."  We  are  truly  a  great 
institution.  Of  course  you  have  told  the  people  that  we 
left  Worcester  yesterday  with  full  ranks  and  flying  colors. 
We  certainly  had  no  reason  to  call  for  more  recruits.  We 
number  about  three  hundred  and  twenty-five,  besides  our 
ship's  crew.  We  intended  taking  only  three  hundi'ed ; 
but  so  pressing  was  the  call  for  tickets  that  we  couldn't  say 
no ;  and  the  result  is  we  are  somewhat  thick,  especially 
about  bedtime.  We  have  always  had  the  name  of  being  a 
quiet,  orderly,  good-natured  set  of  people,  and  I  can  assure 
you  we  shall  lose  nothing  of  that  reputation  in  this  our 
third  annual  trip.  We  have  a  most  excellent  company  — 
we  could  not  wish  a  better.  We  have  started  in  for  a 
"  good  time ; "  thus  far  it  has  been  fully  realized. 

Our  trip  over  the  Boston  and  Albany  railroad  was  quick, 
to  say  the  least.  We  are  indebted  to  them  for  gentlemanly 
treatment  and  reduced  fare.     We  made  some  little  staring 


.*. 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


61 


and  caused  some  excitement  as  we  marclied  thr()ii<,'h  the 
streets  to  the  wharf.  I  suppose  the  soul-stirrin«,'  strains  of 
our  Worcester  Brass  Band  were  the  cause  of  it  all.  We 
find  tluis  far  that  a  band  of  music  is  a  great  addition  to 
our  real  enjoyment,  besides  giving  the  people  a  rich  treat 
where  we  go. 

About  twenty  of  the  Bostonians  joined  our  party  on  our 
arrival  at  the  wharf.  We  found  the  owners  and  a<»-ents  of 
the  boat  conii)any  real  gentlemen,  and  dis])osed  to  do 
everything  in  their  power  to  make  our  trip  pleasant  and 
profitable  on  both  sides. 

At  12:30  we  left  Conmiercial  Wharf,  with  flags  flying 
and  band  playing.  The  scenery  down  the  harbor  was  de- 
lightful, and  the  cool  breeze  was  refreshing  to  us,  who  had 
for  days  been  sweltering  m  the  dust  and  heat.  O,  how  we 
did  snuflT  it  in  !  Two  and  a  half  hours'  sail  brought  us  into 
Gloucester  —  that  town  of  old  renown  —  not  a  very  enter- 
prising town,  yet  filled  with  good,  sturdy,  honest  i)eople.  A 
large  number  of  people  are  here  enjoying  the  good  sea 
breeze.  About  the  only  excitement  here,  at  the  present  time, 
is  making  arrangements  for  the  great  centennial  celebration 
of  the  Universalist  denomination,  which  is  to  be  about  the 
middle  of  September  next. 

Here  is  where  the  Rev.  John  Murray  preached  Universal- 
ism  ;  here  his  first  settlement  was  made.  This  is  also  the 
first  settlement  of  any  minister  of  the  denomination  in  the 
United  States.     One  hundred  years  ago  next  September  is 


62 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


to  make  the  hundred  yeurs  since  Murray  proclaimed  that 
doctrine  to  tlie  i)eo|)le  of  our  State ;  of  course  tins  is  the  year 
of  jubilee  to  tlie  })eo|)le  of  that  denomination.  A  cordial 
reception  will  doubtless  be  given  to  all  the  |»eo]»le  who  as- 
semble at  that  time. 

Our  time  in  this  town  was  spent  in  seeing  the  sights, 
bathing,  and  learning  how  thev  catch  halibut,  and  how  it 
is  cured,  salted,  iced,  sent  olf,  and  so  forth.  We  learned 
something  about  the  way  they  cu.e  smoked  halibut. 

The  fresh  fish  they  put  into  ice,  or  put  ice  into  it,  and 
send  it  to  the  cities  and  towns  ;  this  after  it  lias  been 
caught  several  weeks.  The  doubtful,  and  that  is  the  por- 
tion that  begins  to  look  black  and  smell,  they  send  oft'  to 
get  it  smoked  ;  then  the  poor  fellows  eat  it  down  with  a 
good  relish.  This  is  our  summer  food.  I  get  this  infor- 
mation from  the  men  who  pack  and  send  it  to  the  smoke 
houses.  I  hope  that  I  shall  not  hurt  the  fish  trade  in  mar- 
ket. The  price  of  halibut  here  is  four  and  a  half  cents  for 
choice  pieces.  We  pay  only  a  small  profit  at  home. 
Enough  about  fish. 

We  left  Gloucester  for  Portland  at  11  p.  m.,  after  many 
of  us  had  been  "  bunked  "  for  the  night.  Of  course,  no 
little  anxiety  was  manifested  about  where  and  how  all  the 
party  were  to  be  provided  for ;  but  our  friend  the  steward, 
Glazier,  with  coat  and  hat  oft*  was  busy  arranging  extra  beds, 
bedding,  and  curtains ;  as  usual,  the  old  flag  was  put  to  the 
use  of  protecting  the  ladies  from  the  impertinent  gaze  of 


COIT   COKUKSl'ONDENCE. 


68 


tlie  other  sox.     Considering,'  it  \v;is  tlie   first  nii^ht,  the   ar- 
r.'iiinciiieiits  were  all  that  eoiiM  be  reasonably  wished. 

We  arrived  in  I'ortlaiid  ai»oiit  7  o'clock  this  niorniiKr. 
A  most  deliLchttul  njorninu'  air,  fresh  and  j»iire.  We  are 
having'  a  fine  time  viewinn^  the  city.  We  leave  for  Bath 
this  al'ternoou  at  2  o'clock. 

vr.  M. 


EA8TPORT,  Me.,  July  29, 1870. 

i^K^X  the  hurry  to  get  my  first  letter  mailed  from  Port- 
^fcf;J  land,  I  neglected  to  say  many  things  that  I 
might  have  said.  Our  short  stay  in  Portland  was  very 
pleasant.  The  day  was  charming,  the  air  pure  and  brac- 
ing, the  sea  breezes  invigorating.  Our  party  improved  the 
time  to  the  best  advantage  in  siglit-seeing.  I  think  that 
the  scenery  in  and  around  Portland  cannot  be  excelled  in 
the  United  States ;  in  fact  those  who  iiave  traveled  much 
on  this  and  on  the  other  continent,  have  decided  that  the 
scenery  in  Portland  is  unecpialled.  The  many  beautiful 
islands  that  dot  the  harbor  are  also  attractive.  It  is  com- 
puted that  no  less  than  three  hundied  and  sixty-five  of 
these  islands  can  be  seen  between  Portland  and  Bath. 


64 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


The  people  of  Portland  are  noted  for  their  hospitality; 
they  certainly  proved  such  to  our  party  ;  they  seemed  to 
take  pleasure  in  pointing  out  the  places  of  interest.  They 
may  well  take  pride  in  introducing  strangers  to  their  lovely 
city.  They  still  are  feeling  the  sad  effects  of  the  gi*eat  fire 
four  years  ago.  It  hardly  seems  possible  that  so  many 
acres  could  have  been  burned  over. 

Now  we  see  some  of  the  finest  and  most  stately  build- 
ings ere^^ted  on  the  spot  of  the  ruins.  The  new  post  oflice 
building,  of  Vermont  marble,  is  a  most  beautiful  specimen 
of  architecture.  The  City  hall  is  an  elegant  building ; 
having  a  hall  that  I  had  to  say  was  a  little  ahead  of  our 
Mechanics  hall.  I  am  sorry  to  say  this,  for  w^e  have  prided 
ourselves  that  we  had  the  best  in  the  country.  So  de- 
lighted were  our  party  with  the  people  and  the  place,  that 
they  desired  to  linger  a  while  longer  ;  but  at  the  time  of 
leaving,  2  p.  m.  of  Wednesday,  we  hurried  on  board  our 
steamer  to  feast  cur  eyes  on  the  sights  that  were  so  beauti- 
ful from  the  harbor.  Our  sail  from  Portland  to  Bath  was 
one  of  tlie  most  charming  and  delightful  I  ever  experi- 
enced. Portland  harbor  is  one  ^f  the  finest  in  the  world  ; 
and  to  have  such  a  day  as  we  had,  for  such  an  excursion, 
truly  was  a  rich  treat  for  us  all ;  and  most  fully  did  we 
enjoy  it.  The  trip  to  Bath,  I  do  think,  was  far  ahead  of 
what  we  had  in  going  up  the  Hudson  river  last  year. 

We  reached  Bath  at  six  p.  m.  Here  we  staid  until  four 
o'clock  the  next  morning,  when  we  took  our  departure  fo'* 


& 


■^ 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


65 


Eastport.     While  in  l?atli  we  improved  our  time,  as  usual, 
in  seeing  the  noted  places  in  and  around  tiie  town.     Tliere 
are  not  many  remarkable  places  here.     It  is  a  smiill,  (piiet 
place,  of  about  eight  thousand  inhabitants.    The  situation  of 
the  place  is  rather  pleasant,  being  a  little  elevated  from  the 
river.     We   did  not  see   many  very  beautiful    buildings, 
either  public  or  private,  but  all  seemed  to  be  built  with  an 
eye  to  rigid  economy,  with  a  desire  on   the  }»art  of  the 
proprietors  to  live  within   their  means.     The  people  here 
are  of  tliat  good  old-fashioned  sort  that  we  usually  find  in 
such  a  place.     They  were  willing  lo  show  us  all  the  build- 
ings of  note  they  had,  which  vvei-e  their  j>ost  ollice,  built  of 
granite,  and  a  new  Methodist  church  nearly   completed, 
built  of  wood,  a  fine-looking  church  about  the   model  of 
that  built  by  our  Methodist  friends  in  Xew  Worcester. 

The  sail  to  Eastport,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  miles, 
was  also  much  enjoyed,  and  at  seven  r.  m.  we  anchored  at 
the  dock  at  Eastport.  It  was  <lelightful,  and  I  make  no 
attempt  to  describe  the  trip.  One  universal  e.vclamation 
was,  "  O  how  delightful  and  charming  this  is!"  As  yet 
not  a  sea-sick  person  has  been  seen.  We  were  told  many 
times  a  day,  for  a  week  before  we  left  home,  that  we  should 
*'all  be  sea-sick,"  that  it  was  "a  terrible  rough  coast," 
"dangerous,  unpleasant  voyage,"  "rickety  steamer,"  and 
all  such  things.  We  may  yet  experience  it  all,  but  thus 
far  we  have  had  only  cause  for  joy  and  thankfulness.     We 

are   now  in  Eastport,  near   the  "jumping  off  place  "  of 

6* 


GQ 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


ill         i 


Uncle  Sam's  doininions.  It  is  quite  a  smart  place,  of 
about  five  thousand  inhabitants ;  the  buildings  are  rather 
plain  and  ordinary  ;  the  inhabitants  are  intelligent,  indus- 
trious, and  good  livers,  though  by  no  means  extravagant. 

Here  is  the  old  "Fort  Sullivan"  of  revolutionary  time  ;  a 
rather  queer-looking  place.  It  is  situated  on  a  high  eleva- 
tion, overlooking  the  harbor,  and  from  the  spot  you  get  a 
fine  view  of  the  surrounding  country  for  miles  away.  The 
fort  is  hard  to  describe,  but  one  of  the  boys  of  our  party 
spoke  out  on  his  arrival,  on  looking  up  to  the  building: 
" Here,"  he  said,  "is  a  hen-house."  I  don't  know  that  I 
can  add  to  that  description.  It  is  a  square  wooden  build- 
ing, with  two  tiers  of  port-holes  large  enough  to  put  the 
muzzle  of  a  shot-gun  through.  I  thought  to  myself  that 
this  "  hen-house  "  would  stand  a  poor  chance  against  the 
shot  and  shell  of  some  of  the  iron  clads  of  the  present. 
But  these  are  times  of  peace,  and  this  fort  with  its  fifty 
men  to  guard  it,  will  answer  all  purposes.  On  the  arrival 
of  our  steamer  at  this  place,  we  were  greeted  by  the  appear- 
ance of  nearly  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  town.  They  came, 
men,  women  and  children,  at  the  top  of  their  speed,  to  the 
wharf  We  stared,  they  stared,  and  we  all  stared  at  each 
other  ;  we  surprised  them,  and  they  surprised  us.  After  a 
mutual  stare  we  took  supper,  and  they  still  lingered. 

We  were  informed  of  a  great  event  to  take  place  in  the 
evening  —  the  elite  of  the  place  were  to  have  a  magnifi- 
cent ball.     At  about  ten  o'clock  we,  the  "  Coits,"  with  our 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


67 


most  excellent  band  of  music,  marched  up  to  the  hall,  and 
gave  them  a  serer.ade.  They  were  deliglited  at  this 
courtesy  from  us,  and  invited  us  all  into  the  hall,  where  we 
had  the  pleasure  of  beholding  the  beauty  and  intelligence 
of  the  town.  They  were  very  fine-looking  people.  Our 
band  have  added  to  their  laurels  since  we  left  home ;  the 
music  has  added  greatly  to  our  enjoyment. 

We  are  all  well,  with  good  appetites  and  plenty  of  good 
food  to  satisfy  them.     We  also  sleep   well   when  we  get 
fairly  at  it.     I  think  many  of  the  party  ought  to  sleep 
well,  for  they  pay  for  it  dearly.     Our  "state-rooms"  were 
sold  at  auction,  as  usual,  and,  as  usual,  they  brought  ex- 
travagant prices.     Thirty-two  rooms  sold  for  $1,109,  and 
it  was  cheerfully  paid.     The  berths  of  our  steamer  are  re- 
markably good,  and  are  satisfactory  to  our  party.     We  stay 
here   in    Eastport  until  to-morrow   morning,    (Saturday), 
when  we  leave  for  St.  John,  N.  13.,  where  we  shall  spend 
the  Sabbath,  and  probably  two  or  three  days  more.     This 
place  is  something  of  a  summer  resort.     The  Passama- 
quoddy  House  is  a  new  house  and  well  kept ;   the  pi-ice  of 
board  is  two  and  a  half  to  three  dollars  per  day.     We  were 
obliged  to  have  on  our  overcoats  all  day  yesterday  and  to- 
day, and  we  are  a  little  chilly  at  that. 

I  shall  ^vi-ite  again  at  St.  John,  where  we  shall  be  under 
the  protection  of  the  queen,  and  not  amenable  to  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States. 

w.  M. 


m 


68 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


^P      - 


m 


St.  John,  N.  B.,  July  30, 1870. 


_-yg)ijij  DATED  my  last  letter  in  Easti)ort,  Me.  As  I  wrote 
/l^  it  in  tlie  fore  part  of  the  day,  I  could  not  give  you 
all  I  wished  in  that  letter  about  that  jHace.  We  made 
quite  a  stop  there,  staying  over  two  nights.  The  only 
stormy  weather  we  have  had  was  during  the  time  here. 
It  rained  quite  hard  during  the  day  ;  and  we  had  a  chance 
of  seeing  and  feeling  one  of  those  fogs  we  have  heard 
about.  As  we  were  safely  anchored,  we  cared  but  little 
about  it.  In  fact  it  was  just  the  kind  of  day  we  wanted, 
for  one  of  the  chief  objects  of  our  stay  here  was  to  give 
our  party  a  chance  to  lish  ;  and  well  did  they  improve  it. 
Their  luck  was  good  ;  for  they  came  in  with  bushels  of  the 
very  best  kinds.  We  cooked  tico  hundred  2^oiuids  for  our 
breakfast ;  and  still  we  had  a  "  pile "  more  for  another 
meal.  We  made  a '  very  favorable  introduction  to  the 
people  of  Eastport  by  giving  a  serena<le  to  a  dancing 
party  in  the  evening.  This  party  was  made  up  of  the  elite 
of  the  place.  After  our  band  had  i)layed  some  of  their 
sweet  strains,  all  were  invited  into  the  hall,  where  they 
received  the  congratulations  of  those  present.  On  the 
next  evening  of  our  stay  here,  some  of  our  party  hired 
the  same  hall  and  invited  the  whc  'vn  to  join  in  a 
social  "hop."  I  rather  think  nearly  all  accepted  the 
invitation,  for  it  was  something  of  a  jam.  It  was  very 
much  enjoyed  by  all  present.     The  }>raises  of  the  people 


COIT   COERESrONDENCE. 


69 


of  Easlport  f<ir  our  band  knew  no  bounds.  We  were  told 
by  them,  tliat  if  we  would  stop  on  our  return,  all  the 
can-iages  and  boats  of  the  place  should  be  at  our  com- 
mand, without  money  or  price.  Our  stay  was  made  very 
pleasant. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  Saturday,  or  to-day,  we  set  sail 
for  this  place.  The  fog  had  not  fairly  cleared  away,  yet  it 
did  not  impede  our  sail.  We  found  a  little  more  rough 
sea  than  we  had  in  the  former  part  of  our  journey,  but  not 
enough  to  produce  much  sea-sickness.  We  stood  it  out 
bravely,  and  ate  our  rations  as  usual,  which,  by  the  way,  is 
not  very  slow.  Our  cook,  who  is  a  veteran  in  the  art, 
says  that  he  never  yet  has  seen  the  people  that  could  eat 
quite  as  much  as  we.  I  can  speak  for  one  that  I  am 
astonished  at  my  own  appetite,  for  it  is  not  usually  small, 
but  now  it  is  tremendous.  We  can  afford  to  have  good 
appetites,  for  we  find  provisions  cheap  this  way.  In 
Eastport  they  sell  beef  13  cents  per  pound  ;  lamb,  9  cents  ; 
butter,  as  good  as  was  ever  tasted,  30  cents  :  e<x'rs,  22 
cents  per  dozen;  pease,  $1.50  per  bushel  ;  fish  can  be  had 
in  abundance  by  the  catching.  Who  would  not  eat  ?  In 
this  place  prices  are  still  lower.  If  we  do  not  have  to  pay 
duty  on  what  we  eat  or  have  eaten  we  shall  make  a  jiood 
thing  by  coming  this  route. 

We  arrived  in  this  city  this  morning  about  eight  o'clock. 
We  were  i)leased  with  the  looks  of  the  city  as  we  neared 
its  harbor.     The  people  were  out  to  greet  us  and  hear  the 


38 


li 


70 


COIT   CORIlESrONDENCE. 


music.  It  was  amusing  to  see  the  people  on  the  run  from 
every  j)art  of  tlie  city  to  take  a  look  at  us  Yankees.  Tliey 
all  expect  to  reap  a  harvest  from  us,  as  we  were  supposed 
to  have  plenty  of  money.  AVe  very  easily  became 
acquainted  with  the  jK'ople  ;  for  they  were  all  ready  to 
show  us  about  the  city — tell  of  its  worth  and  beauty.  It 
truly  has  many  attractions  ;  the  scenery  is  very  fine  from 
many  stand-points.  The  buildings  are  not  of  that  costly 
style  that  we  see  in  the  States.  This  city  is  not  an  old 
city,  yet  it  has  that  a])pearance.  Quite  a  large  amount  of 
8hipi)ing  is  done  here,  and  many  shi|)s  are  built  here. 
The  lumber  business  is  very  extensive  here.  There 
are  many  very  large  dry  goods  stores  here,  which 
do  a  very  large  amount  of  business.  The  people  are  very 
friendly  and  hospitable.  I  was  truly  happily  disaii])ointed 
in  regard  to  the  place.  Most  of  our  party  visited  the  dry 
goods  establishments  and  j)riced  the  goods.  Gloves  were 
the  principal  articles  purchased.  I  think  in  that  line  the 
stores  must  have  been  nearly  cleaned  out.  It  would  be 
an  object  to  })urchase  dry  goods  here  provided  we  could 
get  clear  of  duty,  and  our  greenbacks  were  worth  more 
than  eighty-two  cents  on  the  dollar.  Our  people  were 
cautioned,  by  our  good  Captain  Pike,  against  making 
purchases  of  silks,  tfec,  as  there  might  be  trouble  for  us  at 
the  custom  house.  This  caution  saved  our  money  and 
disappointed  the  anxious  and  uniformly  attentive  mer- 
chants.    Our    party    attracted    much    attention    as   they 


COIT   CORRESPONDEXCE. 


71 


spread  tliemsclves  over  the  city.  The  :\[ayor  made  us  a 
visit  and  took  dinner  with  us  ;  offered  us  any  favors  we 
miij^ht  ask. 

Til  is  eveninpr,  as  usual,  we  heM  on  board  one  of  our 
social  meetings.  Addresses  Avere  made  by  several 
prominent  men  of  the  city.  They  were  hearty,  and  were 
heartily  apj)lauded.  Among  the  speakers  were  O.  D. 
Wctmore,  Esq.,  who  is  a  very  prominent  tem))crance  man  ; 
treasurer  of  the  National  Division  Sons  of  Temi)erance  in 
the  United  States  and  l^ritish  Provinces.  I  lis  speech  was 
well  received.  We  luid  also  Dr.  Fisk,  :Mr.  INIarsh  and  Mr. 
Woodman,  who  were  well  received.  We  have  as  one  of 
our  party  that  noble  veteran  in  the  Sabbath  school  cause, 
Rev.  Asa  Bullard,  of  IJoston.  lie  is  quite  an  addition  and 
help  to  us.  Also  we  have  a  distinguished  reader  in  the 
person  of  11.  II.  Lincoln,  Esq.,  of  Doston.  Our  chajjlain. 
Rev.  J.  V.  Osterhout,  is  winning  golden  opinions,  and 
discharges  his  duty  to  general  acceptance. 

The  citizens  here  are  very  nuu-h  })leased  at  our  coming 
among  them.  We  are  in  every  nook  and  corner  of  the 
city  and  its  environs.  I  think  among  three  hundred  and 
twenty-five  of  us  we  sliall  see  about  all  there  is  to  be  seen 
in  this  place.  It  certainly  it  worth  a  visit.  There  were 
many  plac^^s  of  interest  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
city.  Among  them  is  the  extensive  bridge  over  the  St. 
John  river  near  the  rapids.  I  have  often  heard  the 
reuiark,  and  it  is  a  proverb,  that  water  won't  run  up  hill ; 


IF 


i 


72 


COIT  CORI 


"»NDENOE. 


I  have  just  seen  the  place  whci  it  does.  Near  the  above 
bridge  the  tide  sets  up  so  strong  tliat  it  forces  the  water 
back,  so  that  it  resembles  the  rapids  above  Niagara  falls. 
The  tides  here  are  wonderful,  they  rise  and  fall  from  30  to 
70  feet.  Since  our  steamer  has  lain  at  the  wharf  we  have 
had  to  change  our  "  gang  plank "  several  times  a  day. 
Sometimes  we  put  it  on  the  huriicane  deck  ;  then  we 
change  it  to  the  lower  deck.  It  is  hard  getting  the  hang 
of  the  boat  o  as  to  know  where  to  enter  or  retire.  This 
is  quite  strj.nge  to  us  Yankees. 

w.   M. 


St.  Johx,  N.  B.,  JirtY  31,  1870. 

HE  day  has  been  one  of  the  most  lovely  that  we 
have  had  since  we  left  om*  homes.  The  air  is  pure 
and  bracing;  cool,  and  quite  comfortable.  The 
sea  breezes  give  strength  and  vigor  to  our  physical  frames. 
For  the  credit  of  our  party  at  home  and  abroad,  let  me  say 
that  they  have,  as  a  general  thing,  attended  church  during 
the  day  and  evening.  At  nine  this  morning  we  held  ser- 
vices in  our  saloon  on  board  the  steamer.  Our  worthy 
chaplain  conducted  the   services.     We   had   an  excellent 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


73 


choir  of  singers  ;  in  fact  T  might  say  that  we  are  all  sing- 
ers ;  we  do  sing,  whether  it  is  right  or  wrong. 

Our  chaplain  preached  a  most  excellent  sermon  to  us 
this  morning.  He  took  for  his  text  Joshua,  2d  chap.,  part  of 
21st  verse:  "  And  she  bound  the  scarlet  line  in  the  win- 
dow." After  a  thorough  explanation  of  the  text,  he  drew 
forth  the  princi))le  deduced  fj-om  this  history.  Faith  and 
works  was  the  subject.  1.  Implicit  faith.  2.  Abiding 
faith.  3.  A  saving  faith.  Each  of  the  these  points  Avas 
well  illustrated  ;  made  plain  to  his  hearers,  and  of  practical 
import.  It  was  listened  to  by  a  large  and  appreciative 
audience. 

After  the  services  on  board,  we  scattered  for  other 
churches.  There  are  many  churches  here,  but  none  of  what 
we  call  the  "Liberal  faith."  The  old-fashioned  orthodox 
faith  of  forty  years  ago,  in  Massachusetts,  is  now  j>reached 
here.  The  great  attraction  to-day  was  the  Catholic  cathe- 
dral. Bishop  Sweeney  has  just  returned  from  Rome, 
where  he  has  been  to  make  a  poor  mortal  infallible.  This 
being  the  first  Sabbath  since  his  arrival,  as  a  matter  of 
course  the  cathedral  would  be  crowded.  Many  of  our 
party  turned  their  steps  to  this  ])lace.  The  most  I  hear 
about  the  services  is  that  there  was  a  great  jam. 

There  are  some  distinguished  preachers  here,  but  not 
having  a  chance  to  hear  them,  I  cannot  judge.  I  have 
heard  only  four  sermons  to-day.  We  have  held  an  evening 
service  on  board ;  the  preacher  was  the  Rev.  Asa  Bullard, 


r 


74 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


of  Roston.  Tlis  remarks  were  interesting.  Ilis  subject 
was  the  wonders  of  the  IJible.  Ilis  illustrations  were  of 
the  most  practical  character.  We  liekl  a  meetini^  on  the 
upper  deck,  in  order  to  accommodato  the  great  multitude 
who  thronged  the  wharf.  I  think  I  understate  tlie  number 
when  I  say  that  there  were  five  thousand  of  the  citizens 
of  this  city  gathered  to  see  and  hear  what  was  to  be  said 
and  done.  Thev  were  vei'v  oi-<lerlv  and  s^jave  the  best  at- 
tention.  After  the  services  they  quietly  returned  to  their 
homes. 

The  city  to-day  has  been  more  quiet  than  any  I  have 
ever  seen ;  and  yet  it  is  no  more  so  to-day  tlian  usual 
on  a  Sunday.  The  horse  cars  do  not  run  ;  hardly  a  car- 
riage of  any  kind  is  to  be  seen  in  the  streets.  I  think 
some  of  our  cities  in  the  States  might  take  pattern  of  some 
in  the  queen's  dominions.  It  is  remarkable  what  a  vene- 
ration is  had  for  Victoria.  The  man  who  should  say  a 
word  against  her  majesty,  would  need  to  pack  his  goods 
and  leave.  There  is  no  mistake,  she  is  worthy  of  her 
people. 

I  promised  to  make  this  short ;  I  must  therefore  close 
that  you  may  get  it  before  we  return.  It  takes  a  long 
while  to  get  letters  and  papers  to  us  at  this  place.  Our 
party  seem  greatly  disappointed  since  their  arrival  here  in 
not  finding  letters  and  papers  from  loved  ones  at  home. 
To-morrow  morning  we  hire  another  steamer,  and  take  one 
of  the  most  magnificent  trips  up  the  St.  John   River  to 


COIT    CORRESPONDENCE. 


75 


Frodcric'toii,  the  ciipitjil  of  tlie  province  of  New    IJruns- 
wick. 

W,   M. 


Eastport,  Acoubt  2, 1870. 

ft^lt^  E  are  now  on  our  homeward-bound  trij).  Monday 
s^^J^  our  party,  or  about  250  of  tliem,  took  the  steamer 
liochford,  of  St.  Jolin,  for  a  trip  to  Fredericton,  the  capi- 
tal of  tlie  Province  of  New  Brunswick.  The  distance  is 
ninety-two  miles.  The  fare  to  and  from  one  dollar  eacrh. 
About  twenty-five  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  the 
city  Qf  St.  John  acco!n})anied  us  on  this  delightful  trii)  to 
point  out  the  places  of  interest  to  us.  I  find  myself  utterly 
unable  to  give  you  even  a  faint  indea  of  the  beauty  of  the 
scenery  of  this  river.  I  don't  know  how  even  to  com- 
mence the  description.  Let  me  here  mention  the  Hudson 
river,  as  many  of  our  people  are  familiar  with  its  grandeur 
and  beauty.  We  thouglit  last  year  that  nothing  could 
eclipse  that ;  but  witliout  exaggeration  the  scenery  on  the 
St.  John  river  far  exceeds  the  Hudson.  I  of  course  mean 
the  natural  scenery.  There  is  more  variety  to  it ;  the 
many  islands,  the  many  streams  flowing  into  it,  the  beauti- 


ir*r 


76 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


fill  bii('k-L?iouii(ls,  the  ^reat  variety  of  hill  and  valley,  are 
all  so  eluirniiiiir  and  varied  that  the  picture  is  complete. 
Besides,  the  fertility  of  the  soil  adds  much  to  its  beauty 
and  grandeur.  For  about  forty  miles  the  scenery  is 
varied  ;  the  other  fifty  miles  of  the  journey  presents 
more  of  a  level  appearance,  with  a  back-ground  that  is 
mountainous.  The  inhabitants  on  the  river  are  scattered. 
There  are  very  few  villages,  and  those  are  very  spare  in 
population.  The  houses  are  very  small  and  inferior,  most 
are  one-story,  and  some  a  story  and  a  half  high,  very  few 
of  them  painted.  Now  and  then  you  see  Indian  wig- 
wams dotted  along  the  shore.  All  there  is  of  beauty  is 
wliat  nature  has  lavished  upon  the  shores,  with  here  and 
there  an  island  dotting  the  river.  The  business  is  farming 
on  a  small  scale,  and  lumbering  on  a  large  scale.  The 
lumber  business  on  this  river  is  probably  carried  on  to  a 
greater  extent  than  anywhere  else  in  the  States  or  Prov- 
inces. Rafts  of  lumber  are  met  at  every  turn.  Saw-mills 
are  often  seen,  doing  an  immense  business.  I  should  judge 
that  some  here  em])loy  hundreds  of  hands  sawing  lumber 
for  the  States  and  Provinces. 

Our  journey  up  this  river  was  the  most  sublime  and 
grand  of  anything  we  have  witnessed  since  we  left  our 
home.  There  was  one  universal  shout  of  praise  from  all 
lips.  When  within  twenty  miles  of  Fredericton  we  were 
met  by  a  delegation  from  that  city,  consisting  of  an  ex- 
Mayor,  a  Sheriff  and  Judge.     On  arriving  we  were  met  by 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


77 


an  immense  concourse  of  people.  Tlic  officials  of  the  city 
as  well  as  the  province  extended  to  us  the  hospitalities  of 
the  city,  and  invited  us  all  to  visit  the  Lieutenant  Govenor 
of  the  Province  ;  of  course,  we  all  accepted  the  invitation. 
Our  band  took  the  lead,  and  the  common  })eople  marched, 
while  the  more  distinguished  of  our  party  rode  ;  some  with 
the  Mayor,  some  with  the  American  Consul,  others  with 
the  Governor,  officials,  &c.  The  people  of  the  city 
came  into  line,  and  thus  we  started  for  the  head(piarters  of 
the  IVovincial  Government. 

On  our  arrival  we  were  met  by  the  Lieutenant  Governor, 
and  received  a  most  cordial  welcome  to  his  house,  or  pal- 
ace, and  also  to  the  beautiful  grounds  that  surrounded  it. 
We  were  told  that  they  are  in  the  real  English  style.  We 
have  not  as  yet  seen  anything  at  home  that  we  can  com 
pare  with  them.  We  could  but  admire  the  governor,  for 
he  is  a  very  candid,  genial,  talented  and  social  gentleman. 
We  can  also  say  the  same  of  all  the  officials  whom  we  met. 
They  could  hardly  do  enough  to  make  pleasant  our  short 
stay  among  them.  We  had  only  about  two  hours  to  slay, 
and,  of  course,  we  had  to  hurry  up.  When  we  returned 
to  our  steamer,  the  people  all  followed,  as  well  as  the  dis- 
tinguished officials.  They  also  brought  with  them  the 
military  band  of  the  city,  to  make  the  parting  pleasant. 
The  bands  played,  the  people  shouted ;  all  distinguished 
men  and  the  queen,  received  the  loud  hurrahs.  Again  we 
set  sail  for  the  city  of  St.  John ;  wondering  why  such  » 


1  ;■ 


■HHHII 


78 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


i'i\ 


grand  reception  was  given  us  by  these  good  people. 
Many  of  the  people,  in  carriages,  followed  us  down  the 
river  for  miles,  waving  their  wiiite  handkerchiefs.  We 
did  not  feel  disposed  to  quarrel  or  discuss  the  govern- 
ment, or  the  people  of  John  Bull's  dominions  after  such 
hearty  demonstrations  of  hospitality. 

As  Ave  had  "  viewed  the  landscape  o'er,"  in  ascending 
the  river,  we  did  not  feel  so  enthusiastic  on  our  return. 
We  therefore  made  speeches,  and  sang  songs,  to  fill  up  the 
time.  We  had  some  most  excellent  speeches  from  the 
distinguished  gentlemen  from  St.  Jolm  who  accompanied 
us. 

We  reached  our  place  of  starting  about  eleven  p.  m., 
somewhat  tired  after  so  much  sight-seeing  and  excitement. 
We  left  St.  John  this  morning  about  ten  o'clock,  after  a 
very  hard  rain  of  about  three  hours  ;  not,  however,  until 
we  had  received  a  large  number  of  distinguished  indi- 
viduals of  St.  John,  who  came  to  i^id  us  good-bye,  and 
make  to  us  some  noble  speeches.  His  xionor,  Mayor  Thos. 
M.  Reed,  made  a  most  excellent  speech ;  it  was  responded 
to  by  your  correspondent.  Our  good  friend,  O.  D.  Wet- 
more,  Esq.,  made  one  of  his  best  speeches.  This  gentle- 
man has  been  untiring  in  his  efforts  to  make  our  stay  plea- 
sant. So  has  also  Mr.  March,  one  of  the  editors  of  the  St. 
John  l^elegraph,  Dr.  Fiske,  and  a  host  of  others  that 
might  be  named.  The  papers  here  have  given  daily 
columns  to   speak  of  our  doings.     We  have  truly  been 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


79 


highly  favored  since  we  landed  on  British  shores.  It  will 
make  us  love  our  mother  country  all  the  more.  We  did 
feel  as  though  we  would  like  to  tarry  a  little  longer  ;  yet 
the  old  stars  and  stripes  are  just  as  dear  as  ever  to  us. 
We  love  our  native  land  the  best,  yet  we  would  like  to 
annex  the  part  we  have  just  visited. 

The  rest  of  my  letter  is  not  so  i)leasant,  for  we  have  just 
passed  through  that  great  trial,  '•  sea-sickness."  I  am  writ- 
ing this  letter  with  the  dt:ightful  (?)  feeling  still  lingering. 
If  yoit^hould  find  it  badly  composed  lay  it  all  to  this. 
We  had  a  forlorn-looking  set  for  a  few  hours.  But  our 
treasurer,  Wheeler,  had  the  pleasure  of  administering  a  full 
half-barrel  of  gruel  to  us.  We  are  getting  over  it  now, 
and  we  shall  be  able  to  soon  make  up  for  what  we  have 
lost.  Our  stewards,  Glazier  and  Thomas  W.  Davis,  are 
unceasing  in  their  labors  to  sui)ply  our  physical  wants. 
They  are  just  now  the  most  important  part  of  our  institu 
tion  ;  we  fully  appreciate  their  labors. 

We  are  having  some  glorious  evening  meetings  in  our 
saloon.  The  speakers  and  singers  are  abundant.  I  could 
give  a  long  list  of  names,  but  space  is  wanting. 

We  go  to-night  at  twelve  o'clock  to  Mt.  Desert,  stay  a 
few  hours,  then  to  Bangor. 

w.  M. 


S-t»5!SS^3^'»ffSm 


80 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


"W0RCE8TEB,  August  6, 1870. 

sAVING  completed  our  suuiiner  voyage,  and 
received  the  glad  greetings  of  our  friends  at 
home,  I  will  briefly  describe  the  scenes  and  events  of  the 
closing  days  of  our  journey.  After  writing  my  last,  we 
made  a  run  to  Mt.  Desert,  landing  at  Bar  Harbor.  The  at- 
tractions of  this  place,  so  well  known  now  as  a  summer  re- 
sort, have  been  too  often  and  too  well  described  for  my 
pen  to  attempt  the  task.  Leaving  this  island,  the  gem  of  all 
those  that  fringe  tlie  coast  of  Maine,  with  its  four  hundred 
sunnuer  visitors  enjoying  the  mingled  beauties  of  mountain 
and  ocean,  we  steamed  away  on  our  course  to  Bangor. 

Although  untold  beauty  had  been  witnessed  in  the  scen- 
ery along  the  St.  John  Ei/er,  the  grandeur  that  met  our 
eyes,  as  we  went  u}>  the  river  toward  Bangor,  seemed  even 
to  surjiass  what  we  had  seen  before.  The  combined  beauty 
of  the  hill,  valley,  cliff  and  forest  passed  like  a  grand  pano- 
rama, leaving  a  i)icture  on  the  mind's  vision,  more  beautiful 
than  the  skilled  hand  of  the  artist  dare  attempt  to  imitate, 
a  picture  never  to  be  forgotton  by  the  "Coits."  Bangor 
was  found  to  be  the  most  beautiful  city  that  we  had  seen  on 
our  tri}),  and  all  ex})ressed  nmch  surprise,  although,  owing 
—  as  the  citizens  stated  —  to  lack  of  sufficient  notice  of 
our  visit,  no  "  grand  demonstration  "  awaited  us,  still  we 
found  that  same  cordial  hospitality  that  had  characterized 
the  inhabitants  of  the  cities  previously  visited. 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


81 


All  the  attractions  of  the  place  were  pointed  out  by  our 
hosts,  and  our  stay  was  extremely  pleasant.  Our  company 
scattered  themselves  over  the  city,  enjoying  the  variety  of 
l)leasure  offered  as  i)ers()nal  tastes  might  dictate.  Some  of 
our  number  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  citizens,  others 
walked  the  streets  to  view  the  line  residences  —  one  of  the 
finest  being  that  of  Hon.  Hannibal  Hamlin,  and  others 
still  visited  the  theatre,  to  witness  the  matchless  actinf^  of 
Lucille  Western.  Altogether,  our  stop  at  Bangor  was  one 
of  the  most  pleasant  of  all  the  pleasant  visits  of  our  jour- 
ney. Tiie  next  morning,  we  loosed  from  our  moorings  at 
Bangor  and  went  down  the  river  to  Belfast. 

From  there  we  went  to  Rockland,  where  we  tarried  over 
night.  Rockland  is  noted  for  its  many  lime-kilns  and 
quarries,  which  is  the  principal  business.  Last  year  one 
and  a  cpiarter  millions  of  barrels  of  lime  were  shipped 
from  this  city  of  six  thousand  inhabitants.  There  is  noth- 
ing attractive  in  the  place — neither  the  scenery,  public 
or  private  buildings  ;  great,  huge  black  lime-kilns  stare  you 
in.  the  face  whichever  way  you  turn  your  eyes.  The  lime- 
stone is  found  in  great  abundance  at  quarries  a  mile  or 
more  from  the  village.  One  quarry,  I  was  told,  liad  been 
worked  for  seventy  years,  and  yet  the  yield  Avas  inexhausti- 
ble. The  process  of  turning  this  stone  into  lime  is  veiy 
simple.  It  is  placed  between  two  fires,  and  after  a  few 
hours,  droi)S  down,  is  hauled  out,  broken  up,  put  into  casks, 
and  is  ready  for  market. 


In 


•mmmmrtmm 


l\ 


\ 

1  i  ' 

'  1  . 

i 

li 

u 


82 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


At  nine  o'clock  Friday  morning  we  started  again  for 
Portland,  arriving  about  tln-ee  p.  m.  We  again  visited 
some  of  the  places  of  note  of  that  city,  and  in  the  evening 
we  held  the  last  social  meeting  of  our  party.  The  mayor 
of  Portland,  Judge  Kingsbury,  made  a  hearty  speech  of 
welcome.  We  were  right  glad  to  take  by  the  hand  this 
noble  specimen  of  humanity.  When  nominated  for  the 
office,  )ie  took  in  his  hand  a  glass  of  cold  water  and  lifting 
it  up  said  to  his  friends,  "  that  if  he  was  elected  as  their 
mayor,  it  would  be  run  on  that  beverage."  And  he  is  doing 
his  duty  in  carrying  out  that  })ledge. 

At  the  request  of  our  IVesident,  George  K.  Peckham, 
the  writer  of  this  was  called  upon  to  respond.  It  certainly 
gave  me  pleasure  to  take  by  the  hand  such  a  man,  and  try 
in  my  feeble  way  to  express  the  gratitude  the  peo})le  of 
Massachusetts  felt  to  the  peo})le  of  Maine,  for  their  leader- 
ship in  originating  and  enforcing  what  is  called  tlie  "  Elaine 
law."  Speeches  were  made  by  a  number  of  gentlemen 
from  Portland ;  all  feeling  rejoiced  at  our  complete  success 
as  excursionists. 

During  the  evening  Cai)t.  S.  11.  Pike,  of  our  steamer, 
was  presented  with  a  splendid  silver  ice  i)itcher  and  salver. 
The  presentation  speech  was  made  by  H.  II.  Lincoln,  Esq., 
of  Boston,  one  of  the  party.  It  was  well  and  liandsomely 
done.  Captain  Pike  being  taken  entirely  by  surprise,  and 
his  feelings  completely  overcome,  begged  that  some  one 
would  come  forward  and  make  his  speech  for  him.     None 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


83 


caine  to  the  rescue,  .-ukI  tlie  noble  man  (hrou<»-h  tears 
tlianked  the  Coits  for  their  remenibrance.  The  party  were 
like  children  leaving  the  ])arental  home. 

Rev.  Mr.  Bullard,  in  behalf  of  the  excursionists,  pre- 
sented Ilirani  W.  Batcheller,  the  cornet  player,  a  silver 
creamer  and  salver,  in  consideration  of  liis  extra  dutv  in 
calling  the  party  to  their  meals  (hu-ing  the  trip,  for  which 
Mr.  JJatcheller  exi)ressed  liis  thanks  in  a  hsxpiw  manner. 

On  SatMr<lay  morning  following,  another  meeting  was 
lield,  at  whicli  the  following  resolutions  were  read  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee,  A.  TI.  Davis,  Ksi].,  the  popu- 
lar l*rincipal  of  our  High  School  : 

Whkreas,  The  Coit  Excursion  of  1870,  now  nearly  ended,  has  been 
a  great  ScU'cess,  far  exceeding  our  expectations,  therefore, 

1.  Rcsolred,  That  our  heartfelt  thanks  are,  iirst  of  all,  due  to  the 
overruling  Providence,  which  has  kept  watch  and  ward  over  us  upon  the 
sea  and  upon  the  land,  holding  us  in  His  hand  untouched  by  any  calam- 
ity, and  now  restoring  us,  invigorated  in  mind  and  body,  to  the  homes 
we  love. 

2.  Resolved,  That  every  Coit  Excursionist  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude 
to  the  Committee  of  Arrangements  for  the  thorough  and  satisfactory 
manner  in  which  they  have  discharged  their  gratuitously  assumed  and 
onerous  duties,  enal)ling  this  great  company,  tln-oughout  its  tour,  to  en- 
joy the  comforts  of  home  at  a  trifling  expense. 

3.  /.VWm/,  That  this  excursion  |)arty  will  not  soon  forget  the  kindly 
care  and  fraternal  feeling  manifested  by  Capt.  Pike,  the  able  and  gentle- 
manly commander  of  the  steamer  .Wew  Brunswick,  or  the  heaity  co-ojiera- 
tion  of  his  associated  officers. 

4.  Resolved,  That  the  head-cook,  the  head -waiter,  stewards,  and 
other  employes  of  the  boat,  deserve  our  kind  remembrance  in  considera- 
tion of  their  faithful  services. 


fT*" 


.  Jipwi  vpwfimm' If  ^m|l^tp9l^ 


84 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


5.  Resolved,  That  Henr}'  Glazier  and  Thomas  W,  Davis,  our  ener- 
getic stewards,  merit  and  receive  our  faithful  thanks,  in  view  of  the  ad- 
mirahle  provision  daily  made  by  them  promotive  of  the  comfort,  health 
and  happiness  of  the  party. 

6.  Resolved,  That  the  Worcester  Brass  Band,  T.  C.  Richardson, 
leader,  has  contributed  greatly  to  our  enjoyment,  and  won  for  itself  new 
laurels,  and  a  fame  on  both  American  and  British  soil. 

7.  Resolved,  That  to  Rev.  J.  V.  Osterhout,  and  to  Rev.  Asa  Bullard, 
acting  chaplains  for  tlie  excursion,  we  are  greatly  indebted  for  the  de- 
corum and  high  moral  tone,  which  their  presence  has  inspired. 

8.  Resolved,  That  to  II.  H.  Lincoln,  Esq.,  thanks  are  due  for  the  zest 
his  fine  readings  has  lent  to  our  social  entertainments. 

9.  Resolved,  That  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maynard  and  others  comprising  our 
choir,  liave  imparted  vivacity  and  good  cheer  to  our  social  gatherings  by 
the  excellent  piano  music  and  songs  which  have  enlivened  all  our  way. 

10.  Resolved,  That  wo  are  grateful  to  I)rs.  Schofield  and  Forbes,  for 
professional  services,  and  delicate  attentions  cheerfully  rendered. 

11.  Resolved,  That  we  tender  our  thanks  to  tlie  International  Steam- 
ship Company  and  its  agents,  for  their  successful  efforts,  made  even  be- 
yond the  contract,  to  insure  the  comfort  and  safety  of  our  party. 

12.  Resolved,  That  we  take  home  with  us  pleasant  memories  of 
places  visited,  and  still  pleasanter  ones  of  many  friends  with  which  those 
places  are  associated ;  and  that  we  shall  esteem  it  a  high  privilege  to  re- 
spond, at  any  time,  to  the  cordial  receptions  given  us,  by  a  like  extension 
of  civilities. 

We  arrvied  in  Boston  this  morning  it  7:30.  We  tarried 
until  1  r.  M. ;  then,  taking  the  cars,  reached  lionie  about 
3  P.  M.  Thus  ends  another  of  those  Coit  excursions.  That 
it  has  been  a  decided  success,  no  one  can  doubt,  who  has 
had  the  j)leasure  of  the  trip. 

We  left  Boston  with  a  company  of   more  than  three 


i 


COIT   CORRESrONDENCE. 


85 


•ried 
;ibout 

That 
lo  has 

three 


hundred  and  twenty-five,  beside  the  crew  of  the  steamer, 
all  working  together  for  tlie  best  interests  of  the  whole.  A 
majority  of  our  company  were  ladies.  We  had  representa- 
tives from  seven  States  of  the  Union ;  forty  towns  and 
cities,  Worcester  having  the  largest  number — there  being 
one  hundred  and  sixty-three  from  the  city.  Webster  had 
the  next  highest  number,  seventeen ;  Shrewsbiu'y  and 
Northboro,  ten  each.  We  liave  traveled  over  twelve  hund- 
red miles  by  land  and  water,  visited  nearly  twenty  towns 
and  cities ;  been  absent  from  home  twelve  days  ;  not  an 
accident  happened  ;  not  a  mar,  nor  a  jar  to  disturb  us  ;  all 
pleased,  happy,  and  full  of  enjoyment ;  anxious  for  the 
year  to  roll  around  that  the  experiment  may  be  repeated 
the  next  year,  if  life  and  health  shall  permit. 

A  committee  was  chosen,  before  we  separated,  to  have  a 
book  printed  that  should  contain  the  names  of  the  party, 
the  places  visited,  correspondence  and  other  matters  of 
interest. 

We  have  often  been  asked,  if  this  excursion  is  an  im- 
provement on  former  excursions  of  this  party.  We  say 
emphatically,  yes.  First,  because  the  experience  of  its 
managers  makes  the  work  easier  and  more  systematic  ; 
second,  the  route  has  been  more  pleasant  and  better  adapt- 
ed to  the  season  of  the  year ;  third,  taking  with  us  that 
most  excellent  band  of  music,  our  Worcester  Brass  I5and, 
has  added  very  greatly  to  our  enjoyment,  as  well  as  aided 

in  giving  us  a  happy  introduction  to  the  people  where  we 

8 


II 


86 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


have  visited.  From  all  lips  has  corae  this  one  compliment, 
that  it  was  one  of  the  best  they  have  had.  An  excursion 
like  this  again  would  not  be  thought  of  without  a  band  of 
music.  Here  we  ought  to  thank  S.  II.  Leland,  Esq.,  of  our 
city,  for  composing  a  grand  march  and  dedicating  i^  to  the 
"Coits,"  naming  it  the  "Coit  March."  It  is  very  fine  and 
appropriate,  and  will  be  the  favorite  march  while  the 
"  Coits  "  shall  continue  their  organization. 

We  trust  we  have  left  a  good  name  behind,  that  shall  be 
a  sign  of  welcome  should  we  again  visit  the  shores  of  Maine 
or  New  U  runs  wick.  We  found  warm  and  hearty  friends 
whenever,  an^l  wherever,  we  made  a  stopping  place ;  we 
hope  that  friendship  may  long  continue. 

Thus  ends  the  Excursion  of  1870. 

W.    M. 


WHAT  WAS  SAID  OF  US. 


From  the  Rockland  (Me.)  Press. 
THE  COIT  EXCURSIONISTS. 

The  raamraoth  party  of  tourists,  organized  and  known  as  the  "  Coit 
Excursionists,"  visited  our  city  on  Thursday  evening  of  last  week.  It  is 
composed  of  about  325  persons,— nien,  women  and  children,— the  larger 
portion  of  whom  are  from  Worcester,  the  headquarters  of  the  organiza- 
tion, but  embracing  many  from  Boston,  Springfield,  and  other  Massa- 
chusetts towns.  The  only  purpose  of  their  association  is,  as  we  under- 
stand it,  to  carry  out  pleasure  tours  in  the  summer  season,  when  weary 
hands  and  heads  need  respite  from  their  accustomed  application  and  to 
be  recreated  by  the  sea  breezes  and  the  pure  air  wafted  from  field  and  for- 
est along  the  New  England  coast  or  adjacent  to  its  beautiful  rivers. 

Our  citizens  who  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  party,  were  much 
gratified  to  find  it  composed  of  intelligent,  sober,  substantial  people. 
We  did  not  see  a  sign  of  intemperance  or  rowdyism  in  any  of  its  mem- 
bers while  they  remained  here,  and  did  not  hear  of  any.  Such  a  com- 
pany visiting  us  once,  establish  impressions  which  will  make  them 
doubly  welcome  if  they  should  come  again. 


From  the  St.  John  (N.  B.)  Telegraph. 

FRIENDLY  VISIT  FROM  OUR  COUSINS. 

On  Saturday  there  steamed  into  our  harbor  and  up  to  Reed's  Point 
wharf,  the  good  steamer  Neio  BrunswickJadQn  with  New  England  pas- 


i  > 


88 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


i 
iii 


senyfcrs,  a  New  Rnj^Iiind  brass  Ixind  pinyinij  "  God  Save  tho  Queen." 
Her  arrival  was  in  part  anticipated,  and  a  lar^jo  number  of  citizens  had 
assembled  on  the  wharf  to  greet  the  strangers. 

*********** 

Our  cousins  did  not  remain  long  on  board  their  steamer  after  she  had 
touclied  the  wliarf.  They  soon  scattered  in  all  directions  over  the  city, 
inspecting  tho  few  buildings  of  any  pretensions  wo  have  to  show  ;  invad- 
ing the  shops,  and  making  purchases  on  a  large  scale —  so  large,  indeed, 
that  in  some  articles  tho  stores  were  really  "cleaned  out;"  driving 
through  tho  principal  streets,  and  viewing  the  city  from  the  leading 
points  favoral)Ie  for  observation,  such  as  Fort  Howe,  Carleton  Heights, 
Mount  Pleasant,  etc.  They  rapidly  made  acquaintances  and  con- 
tracted friendships,  and  wore  quickly  installed  in  tho  good  graces  of  our 
citizens.  They  visited  the  Barracks,  whore  they  were  introduced  to  the 
Highlanders  in  their  kilts,  (so  soon  to  leave  us),  and  were  loud  in  their 
|)rai-iL's  of  the  men  who  relieved  Lucknow  ;  they  rambled  through  Mr. 
Heed's  fine  grounds,  kindly  thrown  open  to  them  by  the  proprietor  ;  they 
visited  tho  Suspension  Bridge  and  admired  the  Falls  at  low  water, — 
and,  certainly,  a  more  beautiful  scene  than  was  here  presented  about  six 
p.  M.  on  Saturday  it  would  be  hard  to  find.  Some  drove  down  the 
Manawaganish  Road,  others  to  Rothesay, — the  latter  having  heard, 
even  in  distant  Massachusetts,  of  the  fame  of  the  celebrated  "Marsh 
Road  ;"  others  again  saw  and  admired  our  Rural  Cemetery,  and  many 
drove  or  walked  out  to  Lily  Lake.  The  livery  stables  were  denuded  of 
every  horse  and  carriage  that  was  worth  driving  —  horse-flesh,  indeed 
was  worth  money  on  Saturday. 


* 


* 


* 


* 


* 


* 


* 


* 


ij 


In  regard  to  their  band,  the  "  Coit  P^xcursionists  "  touched  us  on  a  very 
tender  spot.  If  there  is  one  thing  more  than  another  the  people  of  St. 
John  enjoy,  it  is  popular  out-door  music,  by  a  good  Brass  Band, — 
King's  or  Queen's  Square  preferred  as  the  scene.  On  Saturday,  under 
Mr.  Richardson's  leadership,  the  Excursionists'  Band  played  on  Queen's 
Square,  from  four  to  nearly  six  p.  m.  The  pieces  consisted  of  some 
operatic  gems,  and  were  played  very  sweetly.  Toward  the  close  "  The 
Star  Spangled  Banner  "  and  "  Yankee  Dosdle,"  were  given  in  very 
good  style,  and  the  entertainment  concluded  with  our  "  National  An- 


COIT   COllHESrONDENCE. 


89 


thctn,"  wliu'li  cliciteil  iv  vote  of  thuriks  iinil  a  rouml  of  eliecrs  from  the 
asscinlileil  crowd.  Tlio  Antlicm  was  beiuitlfiilly  played  and  was  in  ex- 
cellent ta8tc. 


Wc  understand  the  "  Coit  Excursionists  "  pul)lish  annually  a  hook 
recordinj^  their  travels,  and  tiie  impressions  produced.  Wo  trust  they 
will  he  ahle  to  say  of  their  visit  ilown  east  that  it  was  not  marred  l)y  a 
sinjflo  uiipropitious  incident  in  the  land  of  the  Bluenoses  ;  that  they  en- 
joyed such  scenery  as  we  had  to  otter ;  that  they  found  us  liviufj;  not  too 
fast,  and  yet  not  extremely  slow,  and  disposed  to  treat  the  "Coit  F^x- 
cursionists,"  not  as  stranj^crs,  hut  as  hrothers,  entitled  to  he  received  into 
our  hearts,  and  deserving;  of  the  lirm  grip  of  manly  (riendship.  We 
trust  this  is  not  to  he  the  last  visit  they  will  make  us. 


Froin  the  St,  John  (N.  B.)   Globe. 


The  trip  of  the  "  Coit  Excursion"  Party  to  Fredericton  yesterday, 
was  pleasant  in  the  extreme.  The  day  was  very  Kne,  and  a  {gentle  Jjreeze 
swept  the  surface  of  the  water,  tempering  the  heat  and  refreshing  the 
atmosphere.  About  two-thirds  of  the  Excursion  party  were  on  hoard, 
and  a  number  of  our  citizens,  including  a  few  ladies,  Ilev.  Mr.  McKen- 
zie,  Mr.  Carvell,  Superintendent  of  Railways,  Mr.  Reuben  Lunt,  Dr. 
Fisk,  Mr.  James  Hegan,  Mr.  John  R.  Marshall,  Chief  of  Police,  Mr. 
March,  of  theA^e^ys,  Mr.  Chas.  Clark,  and  other  St.  John  friends  of  the 
party.  The  excursionists  had  their  band  with  them,  and  amid  the  music 
of  the  band,  the  friendly  adieus  and  shouts  of  those  on  shore,  and  the 
responses  of  those  on  board,  the  Rothesay  at  8:30  swung  out  from  the 
wharf,  and  was  soon  speeding  up  our  noble  river.  To  say  that  the  vis- 
itors were  delighted  would  give  hut  a  faint  idea  of  the  feelings  to  which 
they  gave  utterance,  at  the  varied  scenery  that  presented  itself  until 
Fredericton  was  reached.  The  St.  John  never  looked  more  lovely  than 
it  does  now,  its  striking  and  majestic  bluffs  and  highlands,  its  rich  and 
wavy  intervals,  and  its  thousands  of  graceful  elms,  are  looking  fresh 
and  lovely,  and  every  turn  hut  opens  some  new  beauty,  so  that  the  eye 
uever  wearies  with  the  changeful  prospect  before  it.  The  number  of 
churches  along  the  river  served  to  give  the  visitors  an  idea  of  the  good 

8» 


^.^-^ 


/^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


1^128     |2.5 

|jo   "^~     R^H 

■^  1^    12.2 

£:  y^  112.0 


>-      u 


1-25  mil  1.4 


m 

III 


1.6 


f^s 


90 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


chaructQr  of  the  inhabitants,  and  the  absence  of  paint  on  many  of  the 
houses  and  of  whitewash  on  the  barns  did  not  escape  their  observant 
eyes. 


At  Fredericton  the  population  turned  out  en  masse.  The  wharf,  bar- 
rack square,  and  the  streets  were  thronged  with  people, — many  of  them 
ladies,  looking  their  very  loveliest.  Mayor  Gregory  came  on  board  and 
readily  extended  a  welcome  to  the  visitors,  and  Spafford  Barker,  Esq., 
the  Vice  Consul,  and  his  amiable  lady,  were  also  at  the  wharf.  Mr. 
Barker,  as  the  representative  of  the  United  States,  receiving  the  party,  and 
introducing  to  them  Mr.  Gregory,  the  Mayor.  Mr.  Barker  also  con- 
veyed a  message  from  His  Honor  the  Lieutenant  Governor  to  the  party 
to  visit  Government  House.  Preceded  by  their  band,  the  whole  party, 
forming  four  deep,  marched  through  the  street  to  His  Honor's  residence. 


The  Governor  was  in  his  most  cordial  mood.  He  shook  hands  with 
every  member  of  the  party,  telling  them  to  walk  in,  and  assuring  them 
that  large  as  were  their  numbers  there  was  room  for  them  all —  in  his 
heart.  He  invited  them  to  inspect  the  gardens  and  grounds,  which  are 
now  looking  most  lovely,  although  all  vegetation  has  a  parched  Ipok. 


On  the  lounges  in  the  parlors  and  halls  of  tlie  Grovernor's  residence, 
in  the  summer  houses,  under  shade  trees,  the  party  snatched  a  few 
minutes'  rest. 


* 


* 


The  crowd  of  Frederictonians  at  the  wharf,  as  the  time  of  departure 
drew  near,  had  almost  doubled,  and  one  of  the  bands  had  turned  out  in 
uniform  ;  there  was  such  a  waving  of  handkerchiefs,  shouting  and  cheer- 
ing as  the  "  Rothesay  "  steamed  off  that  even  the  most  stolid  hearts  must 
have  been  touched. 

The  trip  was  really  delightful,  new  friendships  were  made  on  all  sides, 
and  with  mutual  exclamations  of  pleasure  at  having  met,  and  of  regret  at 


1 


COIT   CORRESPONDENCE. 


91 


parting,  the  party  broke  up  when  the  boat  reached  Indiantown.  Horse 
cars,  omnibuses  and  coaches  were  in  attendance,  and  soon  all  were 
transferred  to  their  hotel,  the  "  New  Brunswick." 

This  morninp  a  large  number  of  citizens,  including  His  Worship,  the 
Mayor,  visited  the  "  New  Brunswick,"  and  amid  witty  speeches,  pleas- 
ant badinage,  and  leave-taking  an  hour  passed  away  rapidly  and  pleas- 
antly. Soon  after  10  o'clock,  the  steamer  cast  off  her  moorings,  the 
band  played  "  God  Save  the  Queen,"  friends  on  shore  waved  hats  and 
handkerchiefs  to  those  on  board,  and  those  on  board  replied  in  the  same 
manner,  the  band  played  "  God  Save  the  Queen,"  cheer  after  cheur  went 
up,  and  soon  the  "New  Brunswick  "  disappeared  into  the  mist,  but  the 
recollection  of  the  pleasant  and  agreeable  ladies  and  gentlemen  compris- 
ing her  excursion  will  long  last  in  the  memories  of  those  who  met  them. 


From  the  Portland  (Me.)  Press. 

In  truth,  it  seems  as  if  this  was  the  best  and  cheapest  way  to  get  up 
an  excursion.  This  company  has  had  one  of  the  best  steamers  in  the 
Union  about  two  weeks  at  their  command,  to  go  where  they  pleased  and 
to  stay  as  long  as  they  thought  proper.  It  was  one  of  the  most  cheerful, 
happy  and  well-behaving  parties  that  ever  visited  our  city. 


CONCLUSION. 


I  HE  Committee,  to  whom  was  Intrusted  the  duty  of  pre- 
paring this  little  boolc  that  we  might  have  a  lieepsake 
to  remind  us  of  the  happy  hours  of  a  very  successful 
excursion,  beg  leave  to  make  some  acknowledgment  to  many 
friends  along  the  route  whose  name's  are  omitted  here.  Many 
good  things  were  spoken  and  written  of  us  while  on  this  tour. 
The  outstretched  hand  was  ever  extended,  and  the  heartiest 
greeting  everywhere  awaited  us.  Strangers  to  each  other  at 
first  we  very  soon  were  exchanging  friendly  offices  and  regards, 
for  we  recognized  in  each  other  kind  and  warm  hearts,  though 
our  homes  were  far  apart.  The  Press  without  an  exception 
wherever  we  went,  had  hearty,  cordial  words  for  us.  W  \ 
most  commendable  liberality,  they  gave  a  large  portion  of  their 
editorial  columns  to  a  report  of  our  movements.  We  would  be 
glad  to  make  fuller  extracts  from  the  several  papers  that  so 
kindly  noticed  us  did  our  space  allow.  Indeed,  should  we  pub- 
lish all  that  was  said  in  the  public  journals  concerning  our  party, 
it  would  make  another  volume  as  large  as  this. 

Among  the  many  papers  that  spoke  favorably  of  us,  we  must 
in  justice  mention  The  Portland  (Me.)  Press,  The  Eastport  (Me.) 
Sentinel,  The  Rockland  (Me.)  Gazette  and  Press,  The  St.  John 
(N.  B.)  Telegraph,  Morning  News,  and  Globe.    These  all  spoke  of 


COIT  CORRESPONDENCE. 


93 


US  in  terms  that  would  make  us  a  little  airy  were  we  made  of 
fliglity  material.  Nevertheless,  we  were  highly  flattered,  which 
we  hope  will  only  make  us  desire  to  be  the  fine  fellows  these 
good  friends  say  we  are.  We  return  to  them  our  sincere  thanks 
for  their  hearty  welcomes,  their  many  kind  words,  and  !>ood 
wishes.  The  personal  favors  we  received  will  long  be  treasured 
in  our  memories,  and  we  shall  look  back  to  those  bright  days 
with  unusual  satisfaction. 

We  would  not  forget  to  mention  several  of  our  own  party, 
who  held  correspondence  with  papers  in  and  out  of  our 
city.  Mr.  J.  Cummings  of  Springfield  wrote  letters  to  the  Spring- 
field Bepublican.  ''ElV  wrote  a  solitary  letter  to  the  Worcester 
Daily  Spy,  judging  from  which,  he  might  with  credit  to  us  and 
to  himself  have  continued  the  correspondence ;  but  for  some 
unknown  reason  he  made  a  sudden  stop.  ''Eli  was  all  right," 
as  far  as  he  went.  His  trump  gave  no  uncertain  sound. 
We  hope,  however,  he  will  blow  more  than  me  tantalizing  blast 
should  he  be  placed  in  like  circumstances  again. 

Other  letters  were  written  by  the  editor  of  the  Webster  Times, 
who  accompanied  us  as  far  as  Portland,  Me.,  and  met  us  at  the 
same  place  on  our  return.  To  explain  this  gentleman's  so 
marked  interest  in  the  Coit  Excursion,  it  is  only  necessary  to 
say  that  about  thirty  of  the  elect  of  his  townspeople  helped 
swell  the  size  and  enrich  the  quality  of  the  great  Coit  Family. 

Tlie  correspondence  of  our  noble  brother,  Rev.  Asa  Bullard, 
of  Boston,  who  wrote  several  interesting  letters  for  the  Boston 
Daily  News  under  the  signature  of  ''An  Observer,"  is  deserving 
of  special  mention.  We  were  highly  fortunate  in  sharing  the 
company  and  friendship  of  tliis  distinguisiied  man.  We  omit 
his  letters  with  reluctance.  But  it  seemed,  on  the  whole,  best 
to  make  the  book  less  expensive  by  reducing  its  bulk,  and  to 


94 


COIT  OORRESPOXDENGE. 


restrict  the  contents  of  the  volume  mainly  to  what  was  written 
expressly  for  the  community  where  most  of  our  party  reside. 
Very  much  of  repetition  Is  thus  avoided— too  much  of  which, 
we  fear,  will  appear  in  the  book  as  it  is. 

Finally,  and  in  a  wor^,  we  have  performed  our  task,  to  the 
best  of  our  ability  and  discretion,  under  the  circumstances. 


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